By We Level Up FL Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: April 26, 2023

Hyperarousal Statistics

Hyperarousal is a common symptom in various conditions, such as PTSD, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. As such, it is a significant public health concern that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Understanding the prevalence of this condition in different populations can provide insights into the scope of the problem and guide the development of effective interventions. This section will explore statistics about this condition, including prevalence rates, risk factors, and demographic patterns.

---

---

Hyperarousal Symptoms

These symptoms can be present in various conditions, such as PTSD, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. They can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning and quality of life. If you are experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional help to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan is important.

Hyperarousal Vs Hypoarousal

These two opposite states of arousal can affect an individual’s emotional and physiological responses. While hyperarousal is characterized by an exaggerated response to stressors, hypoarousal is characterized by a reduced response to sensory stimuli.

In hypoarousal, individuals may feel emotionally disconnected or numb and have difficulty experiencing pleasure or excitement. This state is often associated with depression, dissociation, and trauma. Hypoarousal can lead to feelings of boredom, apathy, or a sense of detachment from oneself or the world around them. Physiologically, hypoarousal can manifest as a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, as well as decreased muscle tone and reduced reflexes.

In contrast, hyperarousal is characterized by an overactive response to stressors, often resulting in feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and hypervigilance. This state is often associated with PTSD, ADHD, and anxiety disorders. This condition can lead to difficulty sleeping, irritability, impulsivity, and an increased risk of physical health problems. Physiologically, this condition can manifest as an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, as well as muscle tension and increased reflexes.

Both conditions can interfere with daily functioning and quality of life, and treatment may involve a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, individuals may experience both hyperarousal and hypoarousal, depending on the context and nature of their stressors. It is important to seek professional help to identify the underlying cause of these states and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Hyperarousal Vs Hypervigilance

Hyperarousal and hypervigilance are related concepts often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of the stress response.

Hyperarousal is a state of overactivity in the body’s stress response system, which can result in an exaggerated response to stressors and a persistent state of alertness. This state is often associated with PTSD, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.

Hypervigilance, conversely, is a cognitive state characterized by an intense focus on potential environmental threats. This state is often a symptom of hyperarousal and can lead to constant scanning of the environment for signs of danger, even in situations that are not threatening. Hypervigilance can be exhausting and interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.

While hyperarousal refers to the physiological aspects of the stress response, hypervigilance refers to the cognitive and behavioral aspects. Both hyperarousal and hypervigilance can be present in conditions such as PTSD and anxiety disorders and can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily functioning and quality of life. Treatment may involve a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes to address these states’ physiological and cognitive aspects.

What Are The Causes of This Condition?

• Neurological conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as ADHD or epilepsy, can lead to hyperarousal due to altered brain functioning.
• Genetics: Hyperarousal may have a genetic component, as some individuals may be more susceptible to experiencing an overactive stress response.

Hyperarousal Treatment

Hyperarousal can be treated through various approaches, including psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. The specific treatment approach will depend on the underlying cause of hyperarousal and the individual’s symptoms and needs.

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help address hyperarousal and associated conditions such as PTSD or anxiety disorders. CBT can help individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to hyperarousal and develop coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety.

Medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed to help manage hyperarousal symptoms. Additionally, medication may be used to treat comorbid conditions such as hyperarousal sleep disorder, which can interfere with sleep and exacerbate hyperarousal symptoms.

Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, and improving sleep hygiene can also help manage hyperarousal symptoms. These approaches can help reduce overall stress levels and promote relaxation, which can help alleviate hyperarousal symptoms.

Working with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for hyperarousal is important. Treatment may need to be adjusted over time based on an individual’s response to treatment and changing needs.

We Level Up Hyperarousal Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder simultaneously. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success.  A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

Accepting that you may be living with a mental illness can be challenging. However, treating the presenting substance abuse case can be magnitudes easier once properly diagnosed and treated. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

Hyperarousal and Powerful Coping Skills for Anxiety Informative Video

In this video, a therapist shares 4 mental health tips and advice to help manage everyday anxiety. These strategies can be helpful for anyone looking to reduce their stress levels and promote greater well-being. Let’s dive in and learn from a professional therapist about effective ways to manage anxiety.