Chronic Hypervigilance
A persistent state of elevated alertness, threat-monitoring, and heightened sensitivity to potential danger. Chronic hypervigilance is a hallmark feature of PTSD and trauma responses, and causes significant physical and psychological strain.
Quick answer
Chronic hypervigilance (ICD-10: F43.1; ICD-11: 6B40) is a hallmark of PTSD characterised by sustained threat-monitoring and nervous system dysregulation. EMDR and trauma-focused CBT have the strongest evidence. Somatic approaches address nervous system regulation directly. Professional trauma support is essential.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Constantly scanning the environment for threats
Feeling unable to relax or switch off, even in safe contexts
Exaggerated startle response to unexpected sounds or movements
Difficulty sleeping due to a sense of needing to remain alert
Persistent tension, anxiety, and exhaustion from the sustained state of alertness
What is Chronic Hypervigilance?
A persistent state of elevated alertness, threat-monitoring, and heightened sensitivity to potential danger. Chronic hypervigilance is a hallmark feature of PTSD and trauma responses, and causes significant physical and psychological strain.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Chronic Hypervigilance, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Nervous system regulation, brain function, and neural pathways.
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