Hypervigilance is a state of heightened alertness accompanied by behavior that aims to prevent danger. But what are its main symptoms and how can it be treated? People may mistake hypervigilance for paranoia, as a person experiencing hypervigilance may exhibit some behavior that seems paranoid. However, there are differences between these conditions. Understanding hypervigilance can enable people to access the right sort of help and better manage their symptoms. This article explores the symptoms, causes, and treatments for hypervigilance.

What is hypervigilance? Share on Pinterest Having their senses on high alert means that people with hypervigilance often feel there is a threat close by. People experiencing hypervigilance are unusually sensitive to the environment and people around them. It is not a condition in itself, but a way of behaving that may be caused by trauma or an underlying mental health problem. When someone experiences hypervigilance, their subconscious is constantly anticipating danger. As a result, their senses are on high alert, ready to spot and respond to any danger. The situations they are trying to spot might be: a physical danger

a repeat of a traumatic event

something wrong in a relationship This super alertness makes people with hypervigilance feel and act as though there is always a threat around the corner. Normally, they are not responding to a real threat. Rather, their brain is overanalyzing, and overreacting to, input from their senses. Hypervigilance can be a symptom of: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

anxiety

other mental health conditions Hypervigilance vs. paranoia The way people behave when they are experiencing hypervigilance can seem similar to paranoia. However, there are important differences between the two mental states: Delusion vs. being on guard : In paranoia, people hold specific, untrue beliefs that certain people or things are out to get them. People experiencing hypervigilance do not have any fixed beliefs about a specific thing happening, however. They are not delusional but just on high alert.

: In paranoia, people hold specific, untrue beliefs that certain people or things are out to get them. People experiencing hypervigilance do not have any fixed beliefs about a specific thing happening, however. They are not delusional but just on high alert. Now vs. in the future : In paranoia, people have a delusional belief that someone or something is trying to harm them now, in the present. In hypervigilance, people are on guard in anticipation of something bad happening in the future.

: In paranoia, people have a delusional belief that someone or something is trying to harm them now, in the present. In hypervigilance, people are on guard in anticipation of something bad happening in the future. Lack of awareness vs. insight: In paranoia, people will not be aware that they are suffering from an illness and may believe that their delusions are true. In hypervigilance, people often have an awareness that there is no objective reason to be on edge, but find it hard to relax nonetheless.

Symptoms There are some physical symptoms of hypervigilance, but most symptoms are behavioral. The physical signs and behaviors that people experiencing hypervigilance may show are explored below. Physical symptoms Share on Pinterest Some physical symptoms of hypervigilance include sweating, quick breathing, and dilated pupils. Not everyone experiencing hypervigilance shows physical signs, but some do. When people do show physical symptoms, they may include: dilated pupils

breathing very quickly

seeming restless

sweating

having a rapid heart beat Behavioral symptoms The way a person behaves when they are experiencing hypervigilance can vary. However, there are some common types of behavior that often occur. People experiencing hypervigilance may: keep checking their surroundings and find it hard to focus on conversations

be easily startled and jump or scream at things they hear or see suddenly

overreact to things happening around them in a way that may seem hostile

find crowded or noisy environments overwhelming

look closely at people to see if they are holding weapons

overanalyze situations and believe them to be worse than they are

overestimate the chances of a bad thing happening to them physically or in their relationships

be overly sensitive to people’s tone or expressions, taking them personally

have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep Complications Due to the way hypervigilance may cause people to behave, there can be some long-term complications. These include: obsessive behavior patterns

physical and mental exhaustion

difficulty in relationships

problems in the workplace

avoidance of social situations

Causes Hypervigilance is the brain’s way of protecting the body from danger. As such, people fighting in the military or experiencing violence at home may exhibit hypervigilance with good reason. However, hypervigilance can also happen when there is not a real, physical danger. When this happens, it is as a result of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions that can cause hypervigilance include: PTSD PTSD is an anxiety disorder that people can develop after experiencing or seeing a traumatic or life-threatening event. Events that can cause PTSD include: military combat

death of a loved one

sexual assault

serious accidents

prolonged bullying Hypervigilance is a key feature of PTSD, as people are in fear of re-living the trauma. This can cause them to be constantly on-guard, in anticipation of the trauma happening again. Anxiety People diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety may experience hypervigilance. This is most likely to happen in new situations or when they meet new people. However, there is some debate as to whether anxiety causes hypervigilance, or whether anxiety disorders result from hypervigilant behavior. A 2009 study, conducted on rats, found that a hypervigilant state made them more vulnerable to anxiety. More research is needed to understand whether hypervigilance is a symptom or a cause of anxiety disorders. Other mental health conditions Hypervigilance may also occur in people with other mental health conditions. These may include: schizophrenia

obsessive-compulsive disorder

bipolar disorder Triggers Share on Pinterest Hypervigilant behavior may be triggered by crowded environments, uncertain situations, and feelings of claustrophobia. There are common triggers that can bring on hypervigilant behavior in those who are affected by it. These triggers include: feeling claustrophobic

crowded environments

uncertain situations

reminders of past trauma

arguments and shouting

criticism or embarrassment

competing demands or expectations

chaotic behavior by others

feeling as if they have been abandoned

feeling or anticipating pain

being emotionally distressed