Interoception

Interoception is the sense of the body’s internal state — hunger, thirst, a full bladder, heart rate, temperature, pain, and the physical sensations underlying emotion. Often called the eighth sensory system, it underlies toileting, eating, and emotional regulation, and interoceptive differences are common in autistic and ADHD people.

This is a short glossary definition. For signs, causes, research, and how therapy can help, see the complete guide to interoception. Browse more terms in the DrSensory glossary.