What is hypervigilance characterized by?

Hypervigilance is characterized by an excessive focus on all stimuli in one’s environment. This heightened state of awareness is often a result of experiencing trauma or significant stress, leading individuals to become overly alert and continually scan their surroundings for potential threats or dangers. This behavior is commonly observed in individuals with anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other trauma-related conditions, where the individual feels an intense pressure to be aware of what is happening around them to protect themselves from perceived risks.

The excessive attentiveness can manifest in responses to noises, movements, or even emotional cues from others, which can lead to chronic stress and difficulty relaxing. This condition does not necessarily correlate with the inability to sleep, sudden mood changes, or detachment from reality, as those might reflect different psychological conditions or experiences.