Higher Functions and Insight

Psychomotricity and Judgment

In psychomotor function, we observe whether there is motor agitation, stupor or any disability (temporary such as a cast, or permanent such as the loss of a limb).

Judgment is assessed as the ability to distinguish right from wrong and reality from fantasy; it may be preserved, partially interfered or interfered with.

Differentiation between Disease Awareness and Insight

These concepts are often confused but they are distinct. Illness Awareness is knowing that you have a problem or condition. Judgment is recognizing that the situation is not correct or normal.

Insight goes further: it is the capacity to internalize the situation and mobilize resources to generate a real change.

A classic example is the battered woman who knows she is being beaten (awareness) and knows it is wrong (judgment), but only has Insight when she decides to act, leave her partner or seek help to change her reality; if she stays out of fear or dependence, she has not achieved full Insight.

Summary

In psychomotor is observed the presence of motor agitation or stupor. Judgment is assessed as the fundamental ability to distinguish right from wrong and to differentiate reality from fantasy.

There is a technical difference between having Illness Awareness (knowing that one has a problem) and having Judgment (knowing that it is wrong). Many patients have both but lack the capacity for real change.

Insight is the higher level where the situation is internalized and resources are mobilized. Insight is only complete when the patient acts decisively to modify his or her painful reality.