”Anosognosia”,…It’s not the movie starring Ice Cube and Jennifer Lopez’s storied ass.

The Treatment and Advocacy Center describe Anosognosia as: "lack of insight," symptomatic in people with severe mental illness (SMI) experienced by some that impairs a person’s ability to understand and perceive his or her illness. It is the single largest reason why people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder refuse medications or do not seek treatment. Without awareness of the illness, refusing treatment appears rational, no matter how clear the need for treatment might be to others.

The main character in my novel ‘Unlawful DISorder’ Bowie Long, has a history of SMI. More importantly, he has a reputation of SMI, so many times his actions, as perceived by those around him, are viewed through the lens of mental illness, when it may just be exhibitions of impulsiveness or even of his sexuality.

The question posed is whether Bowie lacks insight or has does his reputation precede him, making those around him inclined to address his exhibitions more strictly than they they might if he were not known to be mentally ill?

Approximately 50% of individuals with schizophrenia and 40% with bipolar disorder have symptoms of anosognosia. Long recognized in stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, studies of anosognosia in psychiatric disorders is producing a growing body of evidence of anatomical damage in the part of the brain involved with self-reflection. When taking medications, insight improves in some patients.

Improving access to treatment for people too ill to seek help, including involuntary treatment when legal criteria are met, is one of the ways the Treatment Advocacy Center is working to fix the mental health system

For more about Anosognosia and other important related information, visit the Treatment Advocacy Center website: www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org