Interoceptive Processing in Substance Use Disorders (SUDs): From the Neuroanatomy to Insights from Computational...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Computational Psychology

Background:

• Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex conditions influenced by genetic, environmental, and psychosocial factors.
• Interoception, the sensing of internal bodily states, plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and decision-making, processes often disrupted in SUDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of interoceptive processing in the neurobiology and treatment of SUDs.
• To examine how altered interoceptive processing contributes to addictive behaviors and complicates treatment outcomes.
• To investigate theoretical and computational approaches for understanding interoceptive dysfunctions in SUDs.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on interoceptive processing in SUDs.
• Exploration of the insula's role in drug use.
• Application of predictive coding and Bayesian inference frameworks to model interoceptive dysfunctions.
• Discussion of potential therapeutic interventions like neuromodulation and mindfulness.

Main Results:

• Interoceptive dysfunctions are central to craving, emotional regulation, and decision-making in SUDs.
• Altered interoceptive processing, including heightened sensitivity to drug cues and diminished processing of aversive stimuli, is evident across various SUDs.
• Disruptions in the brain's predictive coding mechanisms for interoception contribute to compulsive drug-seeking behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Interoceptive processing deficits are a significant neurobiological factor in SUDs.
• Computational models offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying craving and impulsivity in addiction.
• Targeted therapies aimed at recalibrating interoceptive predictions show promise for improving SUD treatment outcomes.