Hypervigilance

Article summary

Hypervigilance is a condition of the nervous system where sensory information is inaccurately and rapidly filtered, in an enhanced state of sensory sensitivity. This appears to be linked to a dysregulated nervous system, and hypervigilant symptoms are clinically described in complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Normally, the nervous system releases stress signals (e.g. norepinephrine) in certain situations as a defense mechanism to protect one from perceived dangers. In some cases, the nervous system becomes chronically dysregulated, causing a release of stress signals that are inappropriate to the situation, creating inappropriate and exaggerated responses. Hypervigilance may bring about a state of increased anxiety which can cause exhaustion. Other symptoms include high responsiveness to stimuli and constant scanning of the environment. Hypervigilant symptoms are clinically described as a perpetual scanning of the environment to search for sights, sounds, people, behaviors, smells, or anything else that is reminiscent of activity, threat or trauma. The individual is on high alert in order to be certain danger is not near; it can lead to a variety of obsessive behavior patterns, as well as producing difficulties with social interaction and relationships, with these symptoms also appearing in borderline personality disorder.…

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