PSY 270 Mind over Matter

Mind over Matter

PSY/270

Mind over Matter

What is the difference between mental illness and insanity? (Hint: What is the important second prong of the McNaughten rule?)

• The difference between mental illness and insanity is that with insanity the person does not know right from wrong. They do not realize their consequences or even realize if the consequence is wrong. People who have a mental illness still have a grip on reality. They understand right from wrong, they just may view it differently. A person with a mental illness usually knows they have a mental illness, but a person who is insane does not always understand that there is something wrong with their mind.

The McNaughten rule cannot be used to defend the actions of a person who drinks alcohol...