February 27, 2024

Hypervigilance Test

Kristie Plantinga

,

MA

man of color wearing a hoodie and jacket looks to his left; hypervigilance test

Guides

February 27, 2024

2 min to read

Show table of contents

We all have moments when we feel on "high alert," anxious, or keenly aware of potential threats around us—even if those threats aren't life threatening.

Perhaps your heart races when you hear an unexpected noise at night. Or maybe you scan crowds obsessively for any sign of danger. Maybe you feel yourself always assuming the worst, and your body subconsciously prepares.

While some watchfulness makes sense, excessive hypervigilance can negatively impact our lives and mental health If you find yourself constantly bracing for the worst and unable to relax, it may be worth exploring whether hypervigilance is impacting you.

How accurate is this quiz?

At Best Therapists, we believe that online mental health quizzes can be an excellent first step towards improving our mental health. Quizzes like this one can educate you and provide opportunities for self-reflection, but note that they are not a substitute for professional assessments and diagnoses.

Before you dive in, note that hypervigilance is not an official diagnosis according to the DSM-5 (the official diagnostic manual for mental health professionals). That being said, hypervigilance can be a symptom of another mental health disorder, like trauma or anxiety.

Take our quiz below ↓

Your privacy is important to us, so all results are completely anonymous and no email is required.

‍

Need more answers?

Frequently asked questions

What are common signs of hypervigilance?

According to Healthline, some of the common signs of hypervigilance are:

Physical symptoms such as sweating, fast heart rate, fast breathing, and fatigue.
Behavioral symptoms such as jumpy reflexes, overreacting, and violent or hostile responses.
Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, fear, panic, worry, and mood swings.
Mental symptoms such as paranoia, rationalization, and difficulty sleeping.

‍

What often causes someone to be hypervigilant?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hypervigilance can be caused by different mental health conditions, such as:

Anxiety disorders, which make you extremely sensitive to your surroundings and potential threats.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which occurs after experiencing a traumatic event that makes you feel constantly on edge and fearful.
Schizophrenia, which affects your perception of reality and may cause you to experience paranoia and hallucinations. Note than less than 1% of people have schizophrenia.

‍