10. Deficient Insight: The Puzzle of Self-Reflection
Arguably the cornerstone of anosognosia, deficient insight is not just a symptom but also a defining characteristic. Here, the individual’s capacity for introspection dims, leaving them unable to assess personal behaviors, characteristics, or even the presence of the disorder itself.
Imagine going through life with blinders on, not in a literal sense, but metaphorically, where introspective insights elude you. The capacity to reflect on one’s actions, to evaluate choices, or even to acknowledge personal strengths and weaknesses becomes a challenging endeavor.
Research attributes this symptom to irregularities in the frontal lobe, a critical area for self-awareness and executive functions. This region of the brain plays a key role in our capacity for self-evaluation. When it’s compromised, our inner mirror becomes cloudy, obscuring self-reflection. (10)
