Introduction

Along with alexithymia, my autism diagnosis also made me aware of my lack of interoception. This has been a lifelong issue for me.

What is Interoception?

Interoception is our ability to perceive and interpret signals coming from within our own bodies. It’s an internal sense that informs us about the physiological state of our body, such as hunger, thirst, temperature, and internal pain. This sense can be both conscious and subconscious, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and facilitating self-awareness.

The Causes of Interoceptive Dysregulation

Interoceptive dysregulation can arise from a variety of sources. It’s often associated with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, panic disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, alexithymia, somatic symptom disorder, and illness anxiety disorder. Misrepresentations of internal states or a disconnect between the body’s signals and the brain’s interpretation of those signals are suggested to underlie these conditions.

Treatments and Techniques for Managing Interoception

Several approaches exist to enhance interoceptive awareness and regulation:

Mindfulness and meditation: These practices can enhance one’s awareness of bodily sensations and help regulate emotional responses.

Talking therapies: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapies can assist individuals in better understanding and responding to their interoceptive signals.

Interoceptive training: Specific exercises that focus on recognising and responding to internal bodily sensations can be beneficial.

Aligning dimensions of interoceptive experience (Adie): A novel therapy that involves interoceptive heartbeat training to align interoceptive experience.

Conclusion

Interoception is a vital but often overlooked aspect of our sensory experience. By understanding and managing our interoceptive signals, we can improve our emotional regulation and overall mental well-being.