Abstract

The primary purpose of this integrative review of the literature is to describe healthcare provider’s recognition of anosognosia in individuals with comorbid mental health disorders, as a differentiating diagnosis needing preeminent early intervention. The secondary purpose is to examine how anosognosia influences outcomes in the population of individuals with severe mental illness. It is expected that early recognition by clinicians and implementation of additional interventions to address anosognosia as the most influential comorbidity of schizophrenia, will decrease exacerbations and improve treatment and patient outcomes.

A literature review exploring clinician’s acknowledgement of anosognosia was performed using various databases. Search terms included: Anosognosia, Lack of Insight, Denial of Illness, and Schizophrenia. The data was conformed into tables and synthesized the relationships to identify consistent findings as well as gaps in the current literature. Initial review of the articles retrieved 73 articles relevant to the topic and 18 articles that met inclusion criteria. The studies suggest that mental health conditions with anosognosia have increased rates of adverse outcomes. Anosognosia is a difficult disorder to identify. While many studies have explored the biological basis of anosognosia, the studies performed on safety with mental illness fail to acknowledge anosognosia as a co-morbid condition. Evaluation and clinical guidelines remain inconsistent with research to support the need for recognition of this co-morbidity.

Thesis Completion

2020

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Department

Nursing

Degree Program

Nursing

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-1-2020

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