Anosodiaphoria

Anosodiaphoria

ENTRIES A–Z

Published in Philip Winn, Dictionary of Biological Psychology, 2003

A lack of concern about a (typically neurological) problem, while remaining aware of it. It may follow a period of explicit denial of the existence of a problem. Anosodiaphoria is typically contrasted with ANOSAGNOSIA, the lack of awareness of a problem.

Depression, apathy and impaired self-awareness following severe traumatic brain injury: a preliminary investigation

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Journal Information

Published in Brain Injury, 2019

U. Bivona, A. Costa, M. Contrada, D. Silvestro, E. Azicnuda, M. Aloisi, G. Catania, P. Ciurli, C. Guariglia, C. Caltagirone, R. Formisano, G.P. Prigatano

Heilman and Harciarek (38) noted that even when patients appear to verbally acknowledge their impaired motor abilities, they might demonstrate “diminished concern of the illness or disability.” (pg. 89). Babinski introduced the term “anosodiaphoria” to describe this clinical condition (39). Notoriously, patients who show anosodiaphoria are unconcerned with (or tend to minimize) the extent of their deficits (40). It is argued that anosodiaphoria “results from the failure of the error recognition system mediated via anterior cingulate cortex to concurrently activate sympathetic effects in the insula that are necessary for the subjective feeling of emotional distress” (41). Although this term is seldom used today, the phenomenon that Babinski was most likely referring to is now often called “apathy” (42–44). While apathy may have several underlying components (45,46), a loss of desire to pursue activities that previously held interest for the person and a loss of emotional reactivity (including indifference or unconcern) over recognized impairments are common features of this condition.

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Depression, apathy and impaired self-awareness following severe traumatic brain injury: a preliminary investigation