THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSIGHT, ILLNESS AND TREATMENT OUTCOME IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Lack of awareness of mental disorder in schizophrenia has been increas ingly identified by researchers during recent years due to a resurgenc e: of interest in the subject. In addition, better measurement methods have led to more valid and detailed investigations on insight in schi zophrenia. Poor insight was been reported as a common phenomenon which may have both nosological and prognostic value. Specifically, due to recent studies indicating that lack of insight in schizophrenia may le ad to poor treatment outcome, research focused on this phenomenon coul d lead to increasingly effective and efficient treatment strategies. H owever, many past and present studies reporting a correlation between insight and outcome in schizophrenia demonstrate significant theoretic al or methodological limitations which may limit the implications and generalization of findings. This article lists and critically analyzes historical and contemporary research focusing on insight, illness, an d outcome in schizophrenia. The role of insight is outlined, as are cu rrent methods for assessing awareness of mental disorder in schizophre nia. Cumulative research in this area is then reviewed, in terms of hy potheses, methods, conclusions, and limitations. Finally, suggestions for future research in this area are delineated.