noun
- a state of heightened or excessive alertness; an abnormally intense awareness of one's surroundings or potential threats.
Usage: often used in psychology and medical contexts to describe a symptom of anxiety disorders, PTSD, or other conditions; can be adaptive in dangerous situations but maladaptive when chronic or excessive
Examples
- After the accident, she experienced hyperalertness, jumping at every sound.
- Hyperalertness is a common symptom in people with post-traumatic stress disorder.
- The soldier's hyperalertness kept him safe during the mission but exhausted him mentally.
- Children with anxiety disorders may display hyperalertness in social situations.
- His hyperalertness to criticism made it difficult for him to accept feedback at work.