hyperarousal
/ˌhaɪpərəˈraʊzəl/
noun
- A state of being extremely alert, anxious, or easily startled, often as a result of stress, trauma, or a mental health condition.
- After the accident, she experienced hyperarousal, jumping at every loud noise.
- The therapist explained that hyperarousal is a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Hyperarousal can make it hard to fall asleep because the brain stays on high alert.
Synonyms