Ghaemi suggests an alternate explanation for this, “patients with better left-hemispheric than right-hemispheric functioning, which is manifested in less awareness of illness or symptoms [...] could have enhanced verbal and visual functioning” (786-87). The evidence still stands that some studies show a correlation of lack of insight with frontal lobe abnormalities while some do not. Some studies that show no correlation show evidence for cognitive deficits causing lack of insight. Ghaemi discusses A third hypothesis in his preliminary report on the neuropsychological aspects of lack of insight in bipolar disorder. The force of stigma is overlooked in many studies of lack of insight in schizophrenia. Many psychological disorders are stigmatized by our society so that people with these disorders are made fun of and thought poorly of. It is no wonder then that most people do not want to have a psychological disorder, to the extent that some deny their illness. Most studies assume that the judgers of lack of insight are correct and do not discuss the possibility of stigma. While the possibility should be broached, there is a difference between denying an illness and believing one does not have an illness. The tests done to assess lack of insight judge the actual lack of insight, not just stigmatized denial. While the force of stigma is a good thing to consider then, patients with lack of insight are actually unaware of their situation and their symptoms. Because of this unawareness, it makes sense that many patients with lack of insight deny treatment (Ghaemi 786). Studies into lack of insight and schizophrenia have uncovered several preliminary conclusions and hypotheses. Lack of insight, I think all researchers will agree, definitely has a part in the lives of patients with schizophrenia. Contradictory data has been found, though, as to what this part is. Some scientists have found correlations between lack of in...
