Ep. 010 - Lack of insight into mental illness: Are there any new leads?Ep. 010 - Lack of insight into mental illness: Are there any new leads?
Ask A Psychiatrist
This week’s listener question was “is there any new research about curing anosognosia?” Anosognosia is a medical term derived from Greek root words that mean “lack of disease knowledge.” Although anosognosia started off as a neurological...
37:48•12 Oct 2021
Unseen Awareness: Anosognosia and Mental Health Breakthroughs
“It shows us that that right hemisphere which is activated by the cold water in the left ear, that that right hemisphere, that neurological system, is relevant to the insight impairment that you see in mania or psychosis.”
What if you didn't know you were unwell? This question sets the stage for an intriguing episode of 'Ask A Psychiatrist'. Dr. Erik Messamore and co-host Melissa Xenophontos dive into the puzzling world of anosognosia, a condition where individuals are unaware of their own mental illness. Originally a neurological concept, anosognosia is surprisingly common in psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In this episode, Dr.
Messamore sheds light on emerging research that links this lack of insight to the right hemisphere of the brain. The hosts discuss a fascinating technique involving cold water stimulation in the left ear, which has shown promise in temporarily improving insight in those with refractory mania and psychosis. The studies are still in their early stages, but they offer a glimmer of hope for non-medication-based treatments.
The episode also tackles ethical dilemmas surrounding involuntary treatment and emphasizes the importance of strong patient-doctor relationships. If you're curious about how brain science is opening new doors in mental health treatment, this episode is a must-listen.
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