Therapies for insight

What is insight?

Insight, in the context of mental illness, refers to the ability to recognise that the observed features and symptoms of an illness are abnormal. A lack of insight into one’s illness is a feature of many psychiatric disorders, particularly psychosis. This can prevent effective medication adherence and has been associated with poorer long-term outcomes.

What is the evidence for treatments to improve insight?

Moderate to low quality evidence is unclear as to the benefit of cognitive behavioural therapy, psychoanalytical therapy, video self-observation or antipsychotics for improving insight into psychosis. There may be some benefit from individualised psychoeducation.

September 2020

Last updated at: 4:07 am, 21st September 2020
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Title Colour Legend:
Green - Topic summary is available.
Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.