Psychological interventions for interoception in mental health disorders: A systematic review of randomized‐controlled trials

Abstract

Disturbed interoception (i.e., the sensing, awareness, and regulation of internal body signals) has been found across several mental disorders, leading to the development of interoception‐based interventions (IBIs). Searching PubMed and PsycINFO, we conducted the first systematic review of randomized‐controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of behavioral IBIs at improving interoception and target symptoms of mental disorders in comparison to a non‐interoception‐based control condition [CRD42021297993]. Thirty‐one RCTs fulfilled inclusion criteria. Across all studies, a pattern emerged with 20 (64.5%) RCTs demonstrating IBIs to be more efficacious at improving interoception compared to control conditions. The most promising results were found for post‐traumatic stress disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia and substance use disorders. Regarding symptom improvement, the evidence was inconclusive. The IBIs were heterogenous in their approach to improving interoception. The quality of RCTs was moderate to good. In conclusion, IBIs are potentially efficacious at improving interoception for some mental disorders. In terms of symptom reduction, the evidence is less promising. Future research on the efficacy of IBIs is needed.