Atypical interoception as a common risk factor for psychopathology: a review

Rebecca Brewer, Jennifer Murphy*, Geoffrey Bird

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
330 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The inadequacy of a categorial approach to mental health diagnosis is now well-recognised, with many authors, diagnostic manuals and funding bodies advocating a dimensional, trans-diagnostic approach to mental health research. Variance in interoception, the ability to perceive one's internal bodily state, is reported across diagnostic boundaries, and is associated with atypical functioning across symptom categories. Drawing on behavioural and neuroscientific evidence, we outline current research on the contribution of interoception to numerous cognitive and affective abilities (in both typical and clinical populations), and describe the interoceptive atypicalities seen in a range of psychiatric conditions. We discuss the role that interoception may play in the development and maintenance of psychopathology, as well as the ways in which interoception may differ across clinical presentations. A number of important areas for further research on the role of interoception in psychopathology are highlighted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)470-508
Number of pages39
JournalNeuroscience and biobehavioral reviews
Volume130
Early online date3 Aug 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
RB is supported by a New Investigator Grant from the Medical Research Council ( MR/S003509/1 ).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Authors

Keywords

  • Comorbidity
  • Interoception
  • Interoceptive accuracy
  • Psychopathology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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