Anosognosia: A Primary Reason for Treatment Noncompliance, Medication Refusal, Substance Misuse, and Other Problematic Outcomes

Anosognosia is a complex condition where a person genuinely lacks awareness or insight of the fact that they suffer from a disability, disease, or disorder. This lack of insight or awareness can extend to deficits that involve executive function, emotions, language skills, judgement, motor skill ability, and memory. Anosognosia is distinct from denial, as the symptoms of the person’s condition may limit or prevent thought processes that would enable the conscious choice of denial. Anosognosia has been observed among those with a history of traumatic brain injuries, structural brain lesion, neurodegenerative disorders, schizophrenia and other serious mental health disorders, and strokes. The consequences of Anosognosia can contribute to (a) treatment completion issues (b) higher relapse rates (c) medication noncompliance (d) poorer psychosocial functioning (e) anger, aggression, and violence (f) criminal justice involvement (g) homelessness, and (h) increased utilization of crisis support services. Intended for professionals, this training will examine the definitions, symptoms, causes, and consequences associated with Anosognosia and its implications for justice-involved individuals. Tips, strategies, and solutions will also be discussed. Empirically based research findings will be highlighted throughout this training.

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities, confabulation, suggestibility, memory, Miranda rights comprehension issues, sleep disturbances, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.