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Raftery D, Kelly PJ, Deane FP, Baker AL, Ingram I, Goh MCW, Lubman DI, Carter G, Turner A, Dean OM, Sinclair BL, McKetin R. Insight in substance use disorder: A systematic review of the literature. Addict Behav 2020; 111:106549. [PMID: 32731008 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Insight refers to a person's understanding of themselves and the world around them. Recent literature has explored people's insight into their substance use disorder (SUD) and how this is linked to treatment adherence, abstinence rates, and comorbid mental health symptoms. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise and critically examine the existing literature on insight in SUD. Five academic databases (Medline, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Web of Science) were searched for key terms related to insight and substance use. Included studies were on humans aged 18 years or over with SUD that examined the relationship between substance use and insight using a quantifiable measure of insight. Of 10,067 identified papers, 20 met the inclusion criteria, employing 13 different measures of insight. The most commonly used measure was the Hanil Alcohol Insight Scale (HAIS) which was the only measure designed for a substance use population and was specific to alcohol use. Based on a pooled sample from five studies (n = 585), 57% of participants had poor insight, 36% had fair insight, and 7% had good insight on the HAIS. Better insight was generally related to negative consequences from substance use, better treatment adherence and maintaining abstinence. Insight appears to be an important factor to consider within SUD. Exploring the most appropriate way to measure insight and assess its role in SUD has implications for intervention design, and engaging and maintaining people with SUD in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayle Raftery
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - Peter J Kelly
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Frank P Deane
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Baker
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Isabella Ingram
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Melvin C W Goh
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Dan I Lubman
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Turning Point, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Greg Carter
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Alyna Turner
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Centre for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Olivia M Dean
- Centre for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Barbara L Sinclair
- Illawarra Drug and Alcohol Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Rebecca McKetin
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Surguladze S, David A. Insight and major mental illness: an update for clinicians. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1192/apt.5.3.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This article will concentrate on insight into serious mental disorder. Not psychoanalytic insight – nor indeed, the insight all of us have, to a greater or lesser extent, into our own attitudes, motives and behaviour – but the insight which patients with psychosis have into their mental pathology. This is no longer considered an all-or-none phenomenon, but rather a dimensional one, so that subjects can have different levels of awareness into their illness. The suggestion was first mooted by Aubrey Lewis (1934) in his seminal work on insight. Conceptual exploration of insight has been activated in the past decade and is proceeding in parallel with the construction of special scales to measure insight and research into its cognitive, biological, social and cultural basis.
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Sapara A, Ffytche DH, Cooke MA, Williams SCR, Kumari V. Voxel-based magnetic resonance imaging investigation of poor and preserved clinical insight in people with schizophrenia. World J Psychiatry 2016; 6:311-321. [PMID: 27679770 PMCID: PMC5031931 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v6.i3.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To define regional grey-matter abnormalities in schizophrenia patients with poor insight (Insight-), relative to patients with preserved clinical insight (Insight+), and healthy controls.
METHODS Forty stable schizophrenia outpatients (20 Insight- and 20 Insight+) and 20 healthy controls underwent whole brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Insight in all patients was assessed using the Birchwood Insight Scale (BIS; a self-report measure). The two patient groups were pre-selected to match on most clinical and demographic parameters but, by design, they had markedly distinct BIS scores. Voxel-based morphometry employed in SPM8 was used to examine group differences in grey matter volumes across the whole brain.
RESULTS The three participant groups were comparable in age [F(2,57) = 0.34, P = 0.71] and the patient groups did not differ in age at illness onset [t(38) = 0.87, P = 0.39]. Insight- and Insight+ patient groups also did not differ in symptoms on the Positive and Negative Syndromes scale (PANSS): Positive symptoms [t(38) = 0.58, P = 0.57], negative symptoms [t(38) = 0.61, P = 0.55], general psychopathology [t(38) = 1.30, P = 0.20] and total PANSS scores [t(38) = 0.21, P = 0.84]. The two patient groups, as expected, varied significantly in the level of BIS-assessed insight [t(38) = 12.11, P < 0.001]. MRI results revealed lower fronto-temporal, parahippocampal, occipital and cerebellar grey matter volumes in Insight- patients, relative to Insight+ patients and healthy controls (for all clusters, family-wise error corrected P < 0.05). Insight+ patient and healthy controls did not differ significantly (P > 0.20) from each other.
CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate a clear association between poor clinical insight and smaller fronto-temporal, occipital and cerebellar grey matter volumes in stable long-term schizophrenia patients.
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Linden M, Godemann F. The differentiation between 'lack of insight' and 'dysfunctional health beliefs' in schizophrenia. Psychopathology 2007; 40:236-41. [PMID: 17396050 DOI: 10.1159/000101366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2005] [Accepted: 04/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Lack of insight' into one's own illness is a frequent symptom in schizophrenic disorders. 'Health beliefs' are psychological explanations of one's own health status and are held by all individuals. The question is how they relate to each other. METHODS Lack of insight (according to the definition of the AMDP System) and health beliefs (measured with the Illness Concept Scale) were assessed in 364 schizophrenic outpatients who participated in a study on neuroleptic long-term treatment. RESULTS 'Insight into illness' and 'health beliefs' are independent of each other. Insight is related to the current psychopathological status as measured by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, whereas health beliefs are related to personal life experiences. Lack of insight and dysfunctional health beliefs are both associated with patient noncompliance. CONCLUSION Poor insight and dysfunctional health beliefs are separate clinical phenomena. Making this distinction is important for guiding research and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Linden
- Research Group Psychosomatic Rehabilitation at the Charité, University Medicine Berlin and the Rehabilitation Centre Seehof, Teltow/Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
Many people who would benefit from mental health services opt not to pursue them or fail to fully participate once they have begun. One of the reasons for this disconnect is stigma; namely, to avoid the label of mental illness and the harm it brings, people decide not to seek or fully participate in care. Stigma yields 2 kinds of harm that may impede treatment participation: It diminishes self-esteem and robs people of social opportunities. Given the existing literature in this area, recommendations are reviewed for ongoing research that will more comprehensively expand understanding of the stigma-care seeking link. Implications for the development of antistigma programs that might promote care seeking and participation are also reviewed.
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Abstract
In the first meta-analysis of studies assessing insight in mania, we sought to determine whether insight in mania is state-dependent or a trait-like condition. In schizophrenia, insight is a trait-like condition. If state-dependent, insight in mania would differ from insight in schizophrenia, and different treatment and research implications would follow. Seven reports using standardized insight rating scales in mania were identified through a MEDLINE literature search. Four longitudinal studies were included in a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis found that insight appears to be state-dependent. Insight showed a 20% improvement (95% confidence intervals, 7% to 34%) after recovery from acute mania (p = .003). Insight improves in bipolar disorder with resolution of the acute manic episode, suggesting that insight is state-dependent in bipolar disorder. We suggest that impaired insight be considered as part of the diagnostic picture of acute mania.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nassir Ghaemi
- Bipolar Disorder Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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Sturman ED, Sproule BA. Toward the development of a Mood Disorders Insight Scale: modification of Birchwood's Psychosis Insight Scale. J Affect Disord 2003; 77:21-30. [PMID: 14550932 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0327(02)00102-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insight has been defined as: (1) recognition of symptomatology, (2) the ability to attribute symptoms to a mental health disorder, and (3) complying with treatment. Insight is related to medication compliance, course of illness and outcome. Current instruments for measuring insight are limited to those that have been validated primarily in hospitalized patients with psychosis. Our objectives were to develop a reliable and valid self-report scale for use in outpatients or inpatients with mood disorders. Toward this end we made extensive revisions of the Birchwood et al. Insight Scale for Psychosis. METHODS The scale was developed by modifying items from a previous self-report scale. Specifically, assumptions of hospitalizations, psychosis, and current symptomatology were removed and items related to mood state were added. The scale was included in a battery of measures completed by outpatients and inpatients participating in a study of mood stabilizer medications. RESULTS Subjects (n=101, 66.3% female, median age 44 years) took approximately 2-3 min each to complete the scale. Overall scores were high (Mean=10.3 out of 12). Reliability was determined using test-retests (r=0.75, n=45). Validity testing was based mainly on clinician ratings (r=0.49, n=69). CONCLUSION The new scale shows promise as a quick method for assessing insight in patients with mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward D Sturman
- Psychopharmacology Research Program, Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Rüsch N, Corrigan PW. Motivational interviewing to improve insight and treatment adherence in schizophrenia. Psychiatr Rehabil J 2002; 26:23-32. [PMID: 12171279 DOI: 10.2975/26.2002.23.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Poor insight and low treatment adherence are common features among persons with schizophrenia that are often related to poor outcome. While insight is a multidimensional phenomenon, common measures of insight have shortcomings and do not include all items relevant for insight and compliance. Different causes of poor insight and compliance such as neurocognitive deficits and psychological coping mechanisms are considered and also the role of awareness in the context of health behavior theory and the stages of change-model. Motivational Interviewing can, with specific modifications for persons with schizophrenia, successfully increase their insight and compliance, because it allows them to explore their own goals and to take a more active role in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rüsch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Freiburg, Germany.
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Abstract
The authors review the literature on cognitive-behavioral approaches to the treatment of schizophrenia. They begin by providing a historical context to explain the recent resurgence of interest in this area. Next, they provide an overview of studies of cognitive-behavioral interventions that target poor insight, medication nonadherence, and refractory symptoms. Insight and nonadherence are emphasized because these are particularly common and problematic areas that present major stumbling blocks in the treatment of patients suffering from schizophrenia that are not yet sufficiently addressed by the interventions clinicians currently have in their treatment arsenal. The authors conclude that support exists for the efficacy of interventions derived from cognitive-behavioral approaches in improving some aspects of insight into illness, increasing adherence to medication, ameliorating the severity of symptoms, and mitigating other negative consequences of schizophrenia. Finally, the authors offer guidelines for future work in this area and emphasize the importance of identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from the use of cognitive-behavioral approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Seckinger
- New York State Psychiatric Institute and City University of New York, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients suffering from psychosis are unaware of their disorder and symptoms. AIMS To investigate whether insight changes with time, and how it relates to patients' psychopathology, and to examine the correlations between insight scales in patients with psychoses. METHODS Seventy-five consecutively admitted in-patients with schizophrenia, affective disorder with psychotic symptoms, or schizoaffective disorder were examined after remission of an acute episode and at follow-up (> 6 months). Three different scales were used to assess insight. RESULTS To some extent, insight into past episodes improved over time in patients with psychosis, regardless of diagnosis. Few significant relationships between insight and psychopathology remained stable at follow-up. The higher the negative and disorganisation dimensions at baseline, the less did attitudes to treatment vary when tested at follow-up. No predictive value for variability of psychopathological dimensions was found for insight dimensions. The insight scales used were highly intercorrelated, suggesting that they measure the same construct. CONCLUSIONS Insight and psychopathology seem to be semi-independent domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Cuesta
- Psychiatric Unit, Virgen del Camino Hospital, Pamplona, Spain.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper takes as its starting point the paper by Aubrey Lewis entitled "The psychopathology of insight" published in 1934, unreferenced. AIMS To attempt to explore the historical antecedents and consequences of this work. METHOD Speculative review. RESULTS Lewis's approach to phenomenology, contemporaneous movements in psychology and Lewis's own life and times--notably the eugenics legislation in Nazi Germany--probably shaped his conclusions. Modern concepts of insight, which emphasise neuropsychology as well as social psychology, were anticipated in Lewis's writings. CONCLUSIONS The concept of insight has stimulated research into difficult theoretical and practical areas such as self-awareness and treatment compliance, respectively. Concern over a patient's capacity for insight has the potential to humanise psychiatry.
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