Interoceptive avoidance: A new construct in the field of the anxiety disorders

Abstract

We approach the “interoceptive avoidance” (IA) as a new type of avoidance, different from “exterocep-tive” or agoraphobic avoidance (AA). IA is an avoidance of activities, substances or situations that naturally produces somatic sensations similar to hyperventilation or panic symptoms. In contrast with IA, situations associated to AA are best understood as biologically prepared stimuli (potentially phobic CSs). Accordingly, the nature of both forms of avoidance not appears to be the same, and IA is not merely a subtle form of the classical AA. Other issues we consider are psychometric assessment, and psychopathological and clinical implications of IA regarding panic disorder and agoraphobia. Finally, some directions for future research are suggested.