Dr. Drew: Britney in Denial

Dr. Drew Pinsky helps A-list clients overcome addiction in the VH1 reality TV show, "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew."

She was sufficiently psychiatrically ill to require two involuntary holds and consideration for a 14-day hold, status reserved for the most severely acute psychiatrically ill patients in the hospital. We can only hope that she at least is willing to follow the recommendations of her treating physicians which will no doubt include intensive structure and follow up in the out patient environment.

One of the features of many psychiatric conditions is a loss of insight.  Rather than acknowledging their illness many patients blame the world around them for their distress.

It’s hard to create motivation to change if someone does not acknowledge the need for it.  Addicts frequently manifest this sort of what we call "stinking thinking."  It is in fact a defining feature of the condition.  We also refer to this as denial.

Britney has conditions that are treatable if she cooperates with her treating professionals.  They are there to help and one can only hope that she complies before a terrible tragedy unfolds.

– Dr. Drew Pinsky, MD