Examining the Role of Interoception in Disordered Eating and Posttraumatic Stress

Interoception involves the perception of the internal state of the body. Accumulating research indicates the importance of interoception across psychological disorders. The following two studies explored interoception as a possible transdiagnostic risk factor underlying comorbid eating disorders (EDs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In study one, structural equation modeling was used to examine an interoceptive pathway from trauma exposure to comorbid PTSD-ED, as well as specific symptom relationships hypothesized to relate to atypical interoceptive functioning. In study two, interoception was measured using two methods: self-report and neuroimaging. Correlations between these methods of measurement, trauma history, and PTSD and ED symptomatology were examined. Results of both studies found atypical interoceptive functioning was associated with PTSD and ED symptoms; the mistrust of body sensations may be particularly relevant to the comorbidity.

Author

• Nelson, Jillian Doris

• comorbidity
• eating disorders
• interoception
• posttraumatic stress

Identifier

hdl:1920/13806

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:MARS:1920/13806