Lack of insight in psychosis: theoretical concepts and clinical aspects.

BACKGROUND: Different theories concerning pathways to insight have been proposed which underpin the numerous assessment measures. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one treatment approach that has been used to improve insight. AIMS: The aim of this review was to promote a greater focus on developing effective CBT strategies to ameliorate insight in psychosis through the exploration of the concept of insight in psychosis and evaluation of research in the area. METHOD: A comprehensive search and review of published studies examining the impact of CBT on insight in psychosis was conducted. We searched the databases PubMed, Medline, PsychInfo, the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Database, and CINAHL with limits set to 10 years, humans, and English language. We hand-searched reference lists of major studies on insight, and theoretical review papers. We filtered our results according to relevance and chose 50 papers for final consideration. RESULTS: The multidimensionality of insight is reflected in the variety of different insight measures in clinical use. Research findings on the impact of CBT on insight are conflicting. Cognitive insight and clinical insight appear to be different concepts that are not fully captured by existing measurement scales. CONCLUSIONS: The conflicting results found in research examining the impact of CBT on insight may be partially explained by the different theories underpinning insight in psychosis communicated through psychoeducation in CBT. Furthermore, the use of more than one insight assessment measure may capture the complexity of insight more effectively. Qualitative research with service users would enrich the knowledge in this area.