A Focus on Interoception

Impact of Poor Interoception

Poor interoception results in a reduced ability to recognize and accurately perceive and interpret the sensations from one's own body. This can affect the body in multiple ways.

• Emotional Regulation Difficulties:

  Without clear awareness of bodily sensations associated with emotions, individuals may struggle to recognize emotions and manage emotional responses.

• Difficulty Using Coping Strategies:

  Inability to identify stress signals can lead to difficulty in managing stress effectively.

• Social Interaction Difficulties:

  Misinterpreting social cues due to a lack of awareness of one's own internal body responses can interfere with social interactions.

• Anxiety and Panic Attacks:

  Interpreting body sensations such as increased heart rate or rapid breathing as signs of danger when there is no threat can trigger anxiety and panic attacks.

• Eating Disorders:

  Not recognizing the internal cues of hunger or fullness can contribute to disordered eating patterns like overeating or restrictive eating.

• Health Risks:

  Difficulty recognizing pain signals can lead to delayed treatment or ignoring potentially serious medical concerns.