Abstract

The study of anosognosia has witnessed an unprecedented increase in interest over the last 20 years. This has resulted in numerous empirical investigations as well as theoretical writings on the nature of human consciousness and how disorders of the brain may influence the person's subjective awareness of a disturbed neurological or neuropsychological function. This edited text summarizes many of the advances that have taken place in the field of anosognosia. It reviews research findings on anosognosia for hemiplegia following stroke, Anton's syndrome, and a variety of disorders in which impaired self-awareness is common. It also provides suggestive guidelines for the management and rehabilitation of persons who have anosognosia or impaired self-awareness.