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What is interoception?
Interoception is quickly becoming known as the eighth sense. It is defined as the “process of how the nervous system senses, interprets, and integrates signals originating from within the body” (Quigley et al., 2021, p.29).
As we become introspective, we learn to become present to what is happening inside the body. This enables us to approach our many daily tasks with awareness and consent.
But how does it impact our daily life?
Through nerve receptors in our body we subconsciously send messages to the brain which indicate our response to stimuli. Stimuli or information from our environment, when the body is feeling hot, hungry, thirsty, needing to use the bathroom - we can then respond in an appropriate way.
Where is the interoceptive system?
The nerves live within our myofascia, our skin or any living tissue that has the ability to retain and communicate information (cells).
How is interoception related to emotional regulation?
As an example let's consider the inconvenience of dropping our smart phone and cracking the screen. The first feeling will be one of dysregulation. This may show up in the body as tension in our face, neck, or shoulders, our tummy may feel as though it is in knots, our fists or teeth may clench and our brain will register this as annoyance, irritation, discontentment, or frustration
(and the list goes on). Along with these feelings the brain will begin its many thought processes about the event and using pre-wired responses the body will then begin to express itself accordingly, in a reactionary manner. A manner that is unique to each individual and based on their window of tolerance, their ability self regulate and their current state of health.
Is Interoception linked to ADHD or ASD?
Yes, it plays a vital role in engaging our brains' higher level cognitive processes known as executive functions. Impulsivity is one of the executive functions and presents in varying degrees in both mental health conditions and people living with ADHD, ADD and ASD.