Hypervigilance
Hypervigilance is an enhanced state of sensory sensitivity accompanied by an exaggerated intensity of behaviors whose purpose is to detect threats. Hypervigilance is also accompanied by a state of increased anxiety which can cause exhaustion. Other symptoms include: abnormally increased arousal, a high responsiveness to stimuli and a constant scanning of the environment for threats.[1] Hypervigilance can be a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder[2] or various types of anxiety disorder.
Symptoms
People suffering from hypervigilance may become preoccupied with studying their environment for possible threats, causing them to lose connections with their family and friends. They will often have a difficult time getting to sleep or staying asleep.[3] ~I lOVe ZaChArY pIeRcE bLaNd~
References
- ^ Definition from the Free Dictionary.
- ^ Hypervigilance & Anxiety
- ^ Do you know signs of hypervigilance? by Dr. Joyce Brothers, Seattle PI, August 16, 2006.
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