Hyperarousal: Symptoms and treatment/Hyperarousal: Symptoms and treatment Last reviewed Mon 13 November 2017

Hyperarousal is a group of symptoms that people with post-traumatic stress disorder may experience. What are the key signs of hyperarousal and how can people manage their symptoms?

Some people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience heightened anxiety. This may make them more sensitive and overly responsive to stimuli and events in the world around them. This state of increased sensitivity is called hyperarousal.

In this article, we look at the symptoms and causes of hyperarousal, as well as how a person can manage it. We also look at how people can help loved ones experiencing hyperarousal better cope with their condition.
Symptoms of hyperarousal

Hyperarousal is one symptom of PTSD. A person experiencing hyperarousal may:
senior man suffering from hyperarousal
Symptoms of hyperarousal include feeling jumpy, finding it hard to concentrate, and being impulsive.

find it hard to go to sleep or stay asleep
feel irritable and quickly lose their temper
find it hard to concentrate
constantly feel on-guard (hypervigilance)
be more impulsive than usual
feel like their muscles are more tense than usual
feel pain more easily
feel their heart beating faster than usual
feel jumpy and be startled easily
breathe more quickly or less deeply than usual
have flashbacks about a traumatic event
PTSD is a mental health condition brought on by a traumatic event. The sorts of events that might cause PTSD include:

a robbery
a car crash
a sexual assault
military experiences
childhood abuse
domestic abuse
a fire
a terrorist attack
a natural disaster

There are many other events that can increase the risk of developing PTSD. However, not everyone who has experienced a traumatic event will experience PTSD or hyperarousal.
How to cope with hyperarousal

Experiencing the symptoms of hyperarousal and other PTSD symptoms can be distressing. If a person notices these symptoms in themselves or someone else, it is a good idea for them to speak to a doctor.

Sometimes, a person experiencing hyperarousal might behave in a way that is self-destructive. This can include driving recklessly or drinking excessively. Ensuring their safety and the safety of others means it is important for people affected by hyperarousal to get treatment.

Alongside treatments the doctor may recommend, there are several coping strategies that a person experiencing hyperarousal can try. Strategies to manage different symptoms of hyperarousal are listed below:
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Sleeping difficulties

People with hyperarousal who find it hard to sleep may try:

sticking to regular bedtime and waking times
exercising during the day
avoiding caffeine after midday
not consuming alcohol in the 6 hours before bed
avoiding naps during the day
getting up to do something relaxing when unable to sleep for more than 30 minutes, then returning to bed once drowsy
reducing screen time, such as watching TV or using a laptop, in the bedroom
creating a calm atmosphere in the bedroom
wearing an eye mask and earplugs to block out light and sound
practicing deep breathing before bed
practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga

Anger

People with hyperarousal may find it difficult to control their temper. The following coping strategies may help:
Lady with a single tear on her face
Crying as a release may help to cope with anger.

crying as a release instead of shouting
doing vigorous exercise or dancing
punching a pillow or something else soft
talking to an empathetic friend or family member
writing things down
creating expressive artwork
practicing deep breathing
practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga

Trouble concentrating

People with hyperarousal who experience difficulties concentrating may find that the following strategies help:

trying to improve sleep quality
practicing mindfulness exercises
removing or turning off distractions, such as their mobile phone
improving concentration by working in short bursts and gradually increasing these periods by 5 minutes at a time
focusing on one task at a time
Impulsive behavior

People with hyperarousal who are acting impulsively can try:

practicing mindfulness exercises
finding a positive task or activity to replace the impulsive or destructive behavior
speaking to a friend or sending them a message
writing about how they are feeling
identifying the negative consequences of impulsive behavior
practicing deep breathing
How to help a loved one with hyperarousal
Support for a loved one with hyperarousal
A person can support a loved one with hyperarousal by listening and not overreacting to their symptoms.

One way to support a loved one who is experiencing hyperarousal is to make them aware of the above coping mechanisms.

Offering to try some of these things, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation, with them may also help.

It is important not to overreact to any behaviors associated with hyperarousal. Being there to listen in a non-judgmental, empathetic way can also help.

Above all, the most important way to help a loved one experiencing hyperarousal is to ensure they have spoken to a doctor and received a proper diagnosis. This will ensure they get access to the right treatment.
Treatment

There is a range of treatments available for hyperarousal that can help people to manage their symptoms:

Exposure therapy: This type of therapy helps a person with PTSD experience traumatic situations and memories in a safe environment to help reduce fear and anxiety.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This works alongside exposure therapy and includes eye exercises that alter the way a person reacts to a particular memory.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This gives a person practical ways to cope with negative thought patterns and behaviors that result from their PTSD.

In addition to these therapies, the doctor may prescribe the following medications to help manage hyperarousal and other PTSD symptoms:

antidepressants
anti-anxiety medication

Outlook

PTSD can be a long-term condition and hyperarousal is a common symptom. However, there are many coping strategies that people can use to reduce the impact hyperarousal may have on their daily activities.

PTSD can be well managed with the right therapies, medications, and ongoing support. If a person is experiencing symptoms of hyperarousal or PTSD, they should speak to a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Similarly, if a person is concerned about a colleague, friend, or relative who may be experiencing hyperarousal or PTSD, they should encourage the person to speak with a doctor or even offer to accompany them.

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Article last reviewed by Mon 13 November 2017.

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