Homonym: insanity (Madness)
Insanity is a term often used to describe a severe mental disorder that affects a person's ability to think clearly, make decisions, or understand reality. It is not a formal diagnosis in psychology but is commonly associated with conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. People experiencing insanity may have delusions, hallucinations, or extreme mood swings.
In legal contexts, insanity refers to a person's inability to understand the nature of their actions due to mental illness. This concept is important in criminal law, where it can affect a defendant's culpability. The insanity defense allows individuals to be judged based on their mental state at the time of an offense.