Breaking through the mind-body divide: patient priorities for interoception research

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Neuroscience
• Mental Health Research
• Interoception Studies

Background:

• Interoception, the sensing of bodily signals, is disrupted in many mental health conditions.
• Evidence suggests interoception is a key factor in effective psychological and pharmacological treatments.
• Patient perspectives on interoception research priorities have been largely overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate bodily signal experiences in individuals with mental health conditions.
• To determine patient-defined research priorities in interoception.
• To ensure future research aligns with patient needs and impacts.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was used with two UK samples (N=25 in-person, N=47 online).
• Participants had at least one mental health condition diagnosis.
• Data collected via written contributions and small group discussions on bodily sensations and research priorities.

Main Results:

• Patients emphasized the multimodal nature of interoception, including stomach and muscle sensations.
• Ten key research priorities were identified across causes, management, and clinical/research approaches.
• Priorities include the impact of bodily signals on social contexts and integrating mental/physical health.

Conclusions:

• This study establishes patient-led, transdiagnostic research priorities for interoception in psychiatry.
• Future research should focus on areas of greatest impact for individuals with mental health conditions.
• Integrating patient voices ensures the relevance and effectiveness of interoception research.