ANOSOGNOSIA

Anosognosia

Directed, Co-Written, Filmed, and Edited by Alex Haney

It is not always obvious when a person is living with a mental illness. It is not always obvious to oneself that a mental illness exists. “Anosognosia” is a glimpse into a young man’s world as he goes about his daily business while experiencing varying degrees of awareness of his condition.

Anosognosia, from the Greek meaning “to not know a disease,” is a common symptom of certain mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Brain studies indicate that damage to the frontal lobe may inhibit self-perception and would thus be the cause of anosognosia. Variations of self-awarness is typical of anosognosia, which can make it difficult for a person to seek treatment. Increased awareness of this medical condition may in turn increase a person’s willingness to seek and accept help.