A Primer on Interoception and its Importance in Psychiatry

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Psychiatry
• Physiology and Autonomic Nervous System Function

Background:

• Interoception, the perception of internal bodily signals, is crucial for physiological regulation across multiple organ systems.
• It is intrinsically linked to the autonomic nervous system and inflammatory processes, impacting overall health and well-being.
• Recent research highlights the growing significance of interoception within neuropsychiatric studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive understanding of interoception's pathways, components, functions, and assessment methods.
• To explore the dysregulation of interoception in psychiatric disorders and its implications.
• To enhance the detection and evaluation of interoceptive disturbances in psychiatric conditions for improved management and research.

Main Methods:

• This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the anatomical and physiological underpinnings of interoception.
• It examines various proposed facets of interoception, including attention, detection, accuracy, and appraisal.
• The review analyzes the role of interoception in the psychopathology and treatment of diverse psychiatric disorders.

Main Results:

• Understanding of interoceptive pathways, brain areas, vagus nerve, and autonomic nervous system function is advancing.
• Specific facets of interoception are being defined and evaluated for their clinical relevance.
• Interoceptive abnormalities are frequently observed in psychiatric disorders, influencing their development and presentation.

Conclusions:

• Interoception plays a vital role in physical and mental health, with its dysregulation implicated in psychiatric conditions.
• A nuanced understanding of interoception is essential for identifying and addressing its disturbances in psychiatric populations.
• This review aims to foster better management strategies and stimulate further research into interoception and mental health.