Nokea
A patient with schizophrenia refuses to take his medication because he believes he is not ill. What phenomenon most likely underlies this presentation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because anosognosia, a symptom of schizophrenia, can prevent patients from recognizing they are ill due to the illness itself affecting their insight and awareness. Anosognosia is a neurocognitive deficit common in schizophrenia, where the brain's ability to recognize one's own illness is impaired. This leads the patient to genuinely believe they are not ill, even when presented with evidence to the contrary.
Choice A: Denial is a psychological defense mechanism, not a symptom of schizophrenia.
Choice B: Stigma might influence perceptions of mental illness, but it does not directly cause anosognosia in schizophrenia.
Choice D: Command hallucinations can influence behavior, but they typically involve auditory commands unrelated to recognizing one's illness.