Hypervigillance lessons likelihood that an animal will miss something that could mean death. Strong emotional reaction to danger means an animal will remember what ever caused it in the first place and therefore avoid or prepare for its occurrence in the future. Though anxiety by design is adaptive, there are many people who are crippled by its frequent occurrence. The above model is optimistic, in that any active reduction of a symptom is going to slow down the cycle of anxiety. Knowing which symptoms are tangible and how to reduce their intensity is what cognitive therapy for Anxiety is all about.
Some treatments focus on the physical symptoms.
Medications which sedate are in effect reducing the physiological component of anxiety and thus turning down the cycle. Relaxation techniques do the same thing. Cognitive behavioral treatment for anxiety always includes training in relaxation. There are books and tapes available as well which can help you learn to bring about a relaxed state. Learning how to relax is an integral part of managing anxiety, because without alternative means of bringing about a less aroused state, the anxious person will be plagued with urges to engage in maladaptive escape behaviors.