People who are hypervigilant are constantly on guard and prone to overreaction.
Hypervigilance is about more than just being extra vigilant.
It is a state of extreme alertness that undermines the quality of life.
REB Images/Image Source/Getty Images
If you are hypervigilant, you are always looking for hidden dangers, both real and presumed.
Sleep deprivation can further intensify feelings of paranoia, fueling hypervigilant behaviors.
Causes of Hypervigilance
Hypervigilance is one of the central features ofpost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).
Threats
Hypervigilance is the bodys way of protecting you from threatening situations.
It can occur in an environment where you perceive an extreme threat.
An example may include walking home late at night through a strange neighborhood.
In some cases, the symptoms of PTSD may only appearlater in life.
This includes:
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can also contribute to hypervigilance.
Endocrine tumors, hyperthyroidism, and adrenal disease can also play a part.
Hypervigilance Triggers
Certain factors can act as triggers for hypervigilance.
It also depends on whether or not the affected person recognizes that the behavior is abnormal.
Treatment may involvepsychotherapy, including mindfulness training and coping techniques, and pharmaceutical medications.
It relies upon the appropriate treatment of the condition (including substance abuse).
In some cases, hospitalization may be needed to bring the symptoms under control.
Overcoming hypervigilance can take time and be fraught with setbacks.
Lean on Friends and Family
Most importantly, communicate.
Staying silent and refusing to share your thoughts will only promote your fears and isolate you from others.
Find a friend or family memberwith whom you might confide, ideally someone who won’t dismiss your fears.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
2017;8:21. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00021
Sluka KA, Clauw DJ.Neurobiology of fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain.Neuroscience.
2016;338:114129. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.06.006
National Institute of Mental Health.Post-traumatic stress disorder.
