Hyperarousal

Dysregulation characterized by a high state of physiological arousal, emotional overload, reactive functioning, and propensity for aggressive, destructive, self-harming or risk-taking behaviors. Associated with a person’s exposure either to painful emotions or to higher levels of physiological arousal or sensory input than they can manage. For some people, temporary states of hyperarousal are triggered by perceived threat, traumatic memories and reminders, or specific emotions. Others adapt to complex trauma by devising ways to keep themselves in heightened states of arousal.