Interoceptive Exposure:
« Back to Glossary IndexInteroceptive exposure to feared stressors can be effective treatment for anxiety that stems from fear of internal body sensations. Interoceptive exposure exercises (IEE) re-create in a safe space the body symptoms associated with the stressor and encourage the person to maintain contact with the stressor without avoidance or distraction. IEE is an effective adjunct treatment for panic attacks, panic disorder, agoraphobia, health anxiety, chronic pain, and chronic dizziness. Recent data indicates a “dose-effect response” works — with more intensive interoceptive exposure being more effective in reducing anxiety. Examples of how this works, plus two exposure models that can be applied flexibly depending on symptoms:
- Respiratory system (shortness of breath, throat tightening): “I can’t breathe,” or “I will pass out.” IEE: deliberate hyperventilation, such as breathing rapidly for one minute
- Cardiovascular/circulatory system (heart racing, sweating): “I’m having a heart attack.” IEE: intense physical exercise, such as running on the spot
- Muscle tone (muscle tension, tightness, shaking, imbalance): IEE: applied muscle tension
- Psychological system (feelings of unreality): “I’m going mad” or “I’m losing my mind.” IEE: staring in a mirror for an extended period
- Traditional models consist of prolonged, repeated exposures to stressors until habituation.
Newer models, based upon inhibitory learning theory (ILT), place more emphasis on what exposure to a stressor can help people learn
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