Insanity is a legal term used to describe a mental disorder characterized by severe and abnormal behavior and thought patterns that are considered to be a danger to oneself or to others. It is a defense to criminal charges that a person cannot be held responsible for their actions because they were not mentally capable of understanding the consequences of their actions. There are two types of insanity: legal insanity and medical insanity. Legal insanity is determined by a court of law based on evidence provided by mental health professionals. Medical insanity is determined by mental health professionals based on criteria such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Insanity is not a diagnosis, but rather a legal term, that is used to explain why a person may not be held responsible for their actions due to a mental disorder. It is important to note that legal insanity does not necessarily equate to a mental illness, and that a person can be found legally insane even if they do not have a mental disorder.