Harnessing Interoception: Innovative Approaches for Psychiatric Assessment and Intervention

About this Seminar

Our internal organs emit sensory signals that propagate through the body before reaching the nervous system, influencing consciousness when the body's physiology is perturbed or under threat. These signals facilitate the brain's generation of accurate internal models, allowing individuals to anticipate and prevent adverse outcomes. Interoception is thus crucial for linking internal sensations with body regulation, maintaining homeostasis, and promoting health. Abnormal interoception plays a key role in anxiety, mood, and eating disorders, suggesting that addressing interoceptive dysfunctions could improve diagnosis and treatment. In this talk, Dr. Khalsa will discuss the connection between interoception and these disorders, highlighting innovative probes for studying heart-brain and gut-brain communication to identify modifiable treatment targets.

Additional Details

This is a free event hosted by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and co-sponsored by the institute's Center for Health Behaviors Research and the Addiction Recovery Research Center. The Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series, which runs annually from September to May, has featured leading biomedical researchers from throughout the country since the program began in 2012. The lectures are also open to all members of the Virginia Tech community including graduate students, undergraduates, faculty, and staff, as well as the public.

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