Book contents
- Ethical and Clinical Complexities in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
- Ethical and Clinical Complexities in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Preface
- Part I Neuroscience
- Part II International Policy Perspectives
- Part III Neuroethics
- Chapter 26 A Unified Understanding of the Human Mind – A Neuroethical Perspective
- Chapter 27 A Neuroethical Approach to Human Life, Identity, and Liberty of Patients with Schizophrenia
- Chapter 28 Neuroethics and Treatment Without Consent
- Chapter 29 Advance Directives in Patients with Schizophrenia
- Chapter 30 Dignity Restored
- Chapter 31 The Four Principles of Bioethics in Cases of Anosognosia
- Chapter 32 Complexities of Competency and Informed Consent as Applied to Individuals with Symptoms of Anosognosia
- Chapter 33 Evidence-Based Treatment for Schizophrenia
- Chapter 34 Inmate Mental Health Assistants
- Chapter 35 Remarks of Father Alberto Carrara to the American Psychiatric Association – May 2025
- Index
- References
Chapter 31 - The Four Principles of Bioethics in Cases of Anosognosia
from Part III - Neuroethics
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 April 2026
Book contents
- Ethical and Clinical Complexities in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
- Ethical and Clinical Complexities in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Preface
- Part I Neuroscience
- Part II International Policy Perspectives
- Part III Neuroethics
- Chapter 26 A Unified Understanding of the Human Mind – A Neuroethical Perspective
- Chapter 27 A Neuroethical Approach to Human Life, Identity, and Liberty of Patients with Schizophrenia
- Chapter 28 Neuroethics and Treatment Without Consent
- Chapter 29 Advance Directives in Patients with Schizophrenia
- Chapter 30 Dignity Restored
- Chapter 31 The Four Principles of Bioethics in Cases of Anosognosia
- Chapter 32 Complexities of Competency and Informed Consent as Applied to Individuals with Symptoms of Anosognosia
- Chapter 33 Evidence-Based Treatment for Schizophrenia
- Chapter 34 Inmate Mental Health Assistants
- Chapter 35 Remarks of Father Alberto Carrara to the American Psychiatric Association – May 2025
- Index
- References
Summary
Anosognosia, a term that denotes a lack of insight into one’s own condition, is a defining characteristic of many psychotic illnesses. As a result, generations of psychiatrists have pursued a paternalistic approach to care. Yet in the past century, the overall trend in patient care has been toward autonomy. What does it mean to respect the autonomy of patients whose lack of insight may bring them harm ? This chapter will explore these questions through each of the four principles generally employed in bioethical analysis: beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and autonomy. Each will have an illustrative case study and explore how anosognosia can further complicate already perplexing ethical scenarios.
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- Ethical and Clinical Complexities in the Treatment of SchizophreniaLiberty or Life, pp. 253 - 260Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
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