What is the difference between madness and insanity?

The legal definition of insanity: n. mental illness of such a severe nature that a person cannot distinguish fantasy from reality, cannot conduct her/his affairs due to psychosis, or is subject to uncontrollable impulsive behavior. read more

madness (n.) - late 14c., "insanity, dementia; rash or irrational conduct," from mad (adj.) + -ness. Sense of "foolishness" is from early 15c. insanity (n.) - 1580s, "state of being insane," from Latin insanitatem (nominative insanitas) "unhealthfulness," noun of quality from insanus (see insane). read more

This Disclaimer applies to the Answer Below Dr. Dombeck responds to questions about psychotherapy and mental health problems, from the perspective of his training in clinical psychology. read more