The term insight is often used in psychiatry and psychology to describe the extent to which the person affected by a particular symptom or behavior acknowledges and understands the problematic or irrational nature of the symptom or behavior being experienced.
For example, someone with OCD who has good insight will usually describe their obsessions and compulsions as irrational and illogical and will often outline a number of problems that have come about as a result of these symptoms. In contrast, someone with poor insight into their OCD symptoms would typically fail to see how their thoughts are illogical or causing problems at work or at home.
Insight into OCD symptoms or their day-to-day impact can change after treatment with either psychotherapy or medication; however, these changes usually occur slowly and can fluctuate over time.
