The role of interoception in the overlap between eating disorders and autism: Methodological considerations. (11th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adams, Kiera Louise; Murphy, Jennifer; Catmur, Caroline; Bird, Geoffrey
• Other Names: Tchanturia Kate guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: European eating disorders review. Volume 30:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 501
• Page End: 509
• Publication Date: 2022-04-11
• Subjects: anorexia -- autism -- bulimia -- feeding and eating disorders -- interoception; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1002/erv.2905
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1072-4133

Abstract

Abstract: Significant comorbidity has been demonstrated between feeding and eating disorders and autism. Atypical interoception (perception of bodily signals) may, at least in part, be responsible for this association, as it has been implicated in the aetiology of both conditions. However, significant methodological limitations are impeding progress in this area. This paper provides a brief overview of how interoception has been linked to autism and feeding and eating disorders in both adolescent and adult populations before identifying several issues with current measures of interoception. We suggest that methodological issues may be contributing to the inconsistency in the empirical literature, and provide suggestions for future research. Highlights: Atypical interoception is linked to both feeding and eating disorders, and autism and may contribute to the comorbidity between the two. Existing measures of interoception across cardiac, gastric and respiratory domains are severely limited. Novel and better‐validated measures of interoception will allow us to better understand the clinical potential of interoceptive training.