Hypervigilance is defined as what?

Hypervigilance is defined as what?

• A. Heightened scanning for threat; common in PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder; contributes to ongoing anxiety.
• B. A skill for athletes.
• C. A standard cognitive test.
• D. A temporary mood boost.

Answer: (A)

Hypervigilance is a state of heightened threat monitoring—a persistent, ongoing scanning for danger. It isn’t just being alert; it’s an enduring readiness to detect threats, often with exaggerated startle, sleep trouble, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. This pattern is common in PTSD and can appear in generalized anxiety as well, and because the person stays aroused and alert, anxiety tends to persist or worsen. The constant vigilance can also bias perception, making neutral cues seem threatening and fueling more worry. This isn’t an athletic skill, a standard cognitive test, or a temporary mood boost.

Hypervigilance is a state of heightened threat monitoring—a persistent, ongoing scanning for danger. It isn’t just being alert; it’s an enduring readiness to detect threats, often with exaggerated startle, sleep trouble, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. This pattern is common in PTSD and can appear in generalized anxiety as well, and because the person stays aroused and alert, anxiety tends to persist or worsen. The constant vigilance can also bias perception, making neutral cues seem threatening and fueling more worry.

This isn’t an athletic skill, a standard cognitive test, or a temporary mood boost.