Quote:
Originally Posted by packs
I've always been of the opinion that a rational person pleads insanity and an insane person is not aware they're insane.
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You nailed it.
I've said this in several posts, but it bears repeating: Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect the part of the brain that controls 'insight'. This means that schizophrenics NEVER know that they are schizophrenic. They have to be talked into taking meds for reasons other than: you are schizophrenic. People with bipolar disorder do not have insight during mania, but usually (but not always) have insight when they come down.
It's a tough concept to wrap your brain around - unfortunately, many psychiatrists can't do it either.
Peter - the 'medical vacation' you refer to is VERY common with schizophrenics; in fact, almost all take such a vacation regularly. It's a tough illness to deal with, but it's still mental illness.