Interoception is defined as the sense of the internal state of the body. Dysfunctions in interoception are found in several mental disorders, including trauma-related conditions. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have been shown to influence interoceptive processes. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated whether MBIs impact symptoms and interoception in patients with trauma-related disorders. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize these data. We included RCTs with an MBI arm which enrolled adult patients with trauma related-disorders or exposure to a traumatic experience, and addressed changes in interoception and trauma-related symptoms. A random-effects multivariate meta-analytic model was performed to quantify group differences in score change from baseline to follow-up. Twelve studies were included in the systematic review, and eleven in the meta-analysis. Overall, MBIs showed small to moderate positive effects on both interoception and symptoms. Despite a high heterogeneity in results, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. We conclude that the efficacy of MBIs on trauma-related symptoms and interoception is supported by randomised evidence. However, further research is needed to understand whether changes in interoception might underpin the effectiveness of MBIs in trauma-related disorders.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Prof. Baldwin is a Medical Patron of Anxiety UK, and a co-applicant in an NIHR-funded study of EMDR for post-traumatic symptoms following intensive care unit admissions. Prof. Dell'Osso has received Grant /Research Support from LivaNova, Inc., Angelini, and Lundbeck, and Lecture Honoraria from Angelini, Janssen, Otzuka, and Lundbeck, outside the present work. Dr. Benatti has received consultant fee for Lundbeck. Dr Huneke is an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR, NHS or the UK Department of Health and Social Care.
(Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)