Study for the UCF CLP3143 Psychopathology Exam 1. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your test!

Hyperarousal is a state of increased psychological and physiological tension characterized by heightened alertness, insomnia, irritability, and exaggerated startle responses. This term is often associated with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders, where individuals experience an overactive stress response.

Mania, which is characterized by a persistent state of elevated mood, increased energy levels, and hyperactivity, can involve symptoms of hyperarousal. During a manic episode, individuals often exhibit impulsivity, racing thoughts, and a reduced need for sleep, all of which can align with the features of hyperarousal.

In contrast, melancholia refers to a severe form of depression characterized by profound sadness and lack of interest in most activities, so it does not relate to heightened arousal. Delusions involve false beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary, often seen in psychotic disorders, and are not specifically related to hyperarousal. Hysteria, an outdated term once used to describe a variety of psychological symptoms, does not typically convey the concept of hyperarousal as seen in mania.