Background
Anosognosia is a symptom present in some individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. This neurological condition can greatly impair or eliminate the person's ability to have insight into the presence and/or nature of his or her illness. Such impairment in insight raises important ethical issues regarding how these individuals should be viewed with regards to autonomy, free will, self-determination and the extent to which coercion (such as involuntary hospitalization or forced medication) is justifiable. This paper will discuss this condition and explore the ethical implications and tensions brought on by anosognosia.