hypervigilance
Pronunciation: high-per-VIJ-ih-luhns
State of abnormally heightened alertness and sensitivity to environmental stimuli, often seen in delirium or anxiety disorders.
Full Definition
Hypervigilance refers to an enhanced state of alertness and attention characterized by an abnormally heightened awareness of environmental stimuli and potential threats. In neurological contexts, hypervigilance is commonly observed in delirium, particularly the hyperactive subtype, where patients exhibit restlessness, agitation, and excessive responsiveness to stimuli. It can also occur in post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress reactions, and certain drug intoxication states. The condition represents a dysregulation of normal arousal mechanisms and attention networks. Clinical documentation should distinguish hypervigilance from normal alertness and describe associated behavioral manifestations such as startling easily, scanning the environment excessively, or misinterpreting benign stimuli as threatening.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from normal alertness and document specific behavioral observations supporting the assessment.
In Context
- "The delirious patient exhibited marked hypervigilance, startling at every sound in the hospital room." — Delirium assessment
- "Hypervigilance resolved as the patient's metabolic derangements were corrected." — Internal medicine progress note