Interoceptive pathways to understand and treat mental health conditions

An increasing recognition that brain and body are dynamically coupled has enriched our scientific understanding of mental health conditions. Peripheral signals interact centrally to influence how we think and feel, generating our sense of the internal condition of the body, a process known as interoception. Disruptions to this interoceptive system may contribute to clinical conditions, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis. After reviewing the nature of interoceptive disturbances in mental health conditions, this review focuses on interoceptive pathways of existing and putative mental health treatments. Emerging clinical interventions may target novel peripheral treatment mechanisms. Future treatment development requires forward-and back-translation to uncover and target specific interoceptive processes in mental health to elucidate their efficacy relative to interventions targeting other factors.

Automated summary

The recognition of the dynamic coupling between the brain and body has enhanced our understanding of mental health conditions. Disruptions to the interoceptive system may contribute to anxiety, depression, and psychosis. This review examines the nature of interoceptive disturbances in mental health conditions and explores the interoceptive pathways of existing and potential treatments.