Which of the following is the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome?
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Hans Selye is an internationally renowned medical researcher from the mid-1930s to the late 1970s. Dr. Selye coined the concept of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), otherwise known as the “stress response.” An M.D. holding a Ph.D., DSc, and FRS, Dr. Selye solely authored 32 books and wrote over 1500 original and review articles in the fields of endocrinology, steroid chemistry, experimental surgery, and pathology. This short blog simplifies the components of the General Adaptation Syndrome stages and lists some supplements that may prove beneficial in reversing some harmful effects of the stress response. Show
Three Phases of General Adaptation SyndromeDr. Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome involves three phases: Alarm Phase, Stage of Resistance, and Stage of Exhaustion.  Stage of AlarmBody’s immediate response to stress
Common symptoms for this portion of the General Adaptation Syndrome stages:
Stage of ResistanceThis stage is initiated by the pregnenolone steal in which cortisol is made at the expense of DHEA to sustain adaptability. The fight-or-flight response (also called the stress response) is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat or danger. This enables the body to take action quickly, and is intended to keep us out of (physical) harm’s way. Unfortunately for our health, this response also occurs when we are not in any immediate physical danger, but are still experiencing stress. For example, this can happen when someone is running late for an appointment or class, and is feeling stressed about trying to get there. The physical changes that occur during this response can cause wear and tear within the body if the perception of stress persists. Here are a few examples of such bodily changes:
For additional information about how these physiological changes occur, click here to read more. The fight-or-flight response is also recognized as the first stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome. General Adaptation SyndromeStages of the General Adaptation Syndrome Homeostasis is a state of physiological calmness or balance, and occurs when our bodily functions are running smoothly in conjunction with low stress levels. When exposed to stressors, this causes an imbalance to occur as the body responds to the perceived threat, and then tries to return to normal functioning. The general adaptation syndrome (GAS), developed by Hans Selye, describes the pattern of responses that the body goes through after being prompted by a stressor. There are three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
These changes will occur in the body regardless of whether the perceived stressor is considered eustress (positive or pleasant) or distress (negative or unpleasant). Ultimately, this means that we need to take active steps in managing all of our stressors, as it can build up and potentially cause harm to our health otherwise. General adaptation syndrome (GAS) describes the physiological changes your body goes through as it responds to stress. These changes occur in stages: an alarm reaction (also called fight-or-flight), a resistance phase (in which your body recovers), and a period of exhaustion. Enduring stress has physical and mental effects on the body. And the more your body goes through the stages of general adaptation, the greater the risk of long-lasting negative effects. Understanding GAS, including how it is triggered, can help you reduce your stress. Verywell / Michela Buttignol The 3 Stages of General Adaptation SyndromeGeneral adaptation syndrome was first described by Hans Selye in 1936, but it wasn't until the 1950s that his research defined the three stages of GAS:
What Is Stress? Alarm Reaction StageThe alarm reaction stage of general adaptation syndrome is the body’s initial response to stress. The sympathetic nervous system is activated by the sudden release of hormones. You may better know this stage as the fight-or-flight response. The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the functions of your heart, stomach, bladder, and intestines, as well as your muscles. You are not aware that this system is working because it automatically responds to stimuli. When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, it stimulates the adrenal glands. The glands, in turn, trigger the release of certain hormones, including adrenaline and noradrenaline. The hormone release causes physical symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate and breathing rate, as well as a rise in blood pressure. Physical signs of being in the alarm response stage include:
According to Selye, most of the symptoms of the alarm response stage disappear or are reversed in the next stage (resistance), then reappear in the final stage of exhaustion. Resistance StageThe resistance stage of general adaptation syndrome is when your body tries to repair itself after the initial shock of stress. If the stressful situation is no longer present and you can overcome the stress, your heart and blood pressure will start to return to prestress levels during this stage. However, if the stressful situation continues for a long time or if you do not resolve the stress, your body will never receive a clear signal to return to normal functioning levels. This means it will continue to secrete the stress hormones and your blood pressure will stay high. What Research Says About Stress and Your Health Prolonged levels of high stress can cause disturbances in the immune, digestive, cardiovascular, sleep, and reproductive systems. You might have symptoms such as:
Prolonged stress that is not resolved leads to the third stage (exhaustion). Exhaustion StageProlonged or chronic stress leads to the last stage of general adaptation syndrome—exhaustion. Enduring stressors without relief drains your physical, emotional, and mental resources to the point where your body is no longer able to cope with stress. Signs that you are in the exhaustion stage include:
The physical effects of prolonged stress can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions, including mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. How to Manage Stress Example of General Adaptation SyndromeHere is an example of an event that might trigger general adaptation syndrome and possible ways you might experience each stage:
What Causes General Adaptation Syndrome?Any kind of stressor—both unpleasant and rewarding, dangerous or thrilling—can trigger general adaptation syndrome. Selye discovered general adaptation syndrome after studying how the human body reacted to physical stressors, such as being exposed to cold temperatures or physical overexertion. It is now understood that many situations, including those that cause psychological rather than physical stress, can cause GAS. Examples of stressors that can trigger GAS include:
Positive StressGeneral adaptation syndrome is not only triggered by stressors that cause distress. It can also be triggered by situations in which the stressor is considered positive or pleasant (known as eustress). For example, some people see the stress of an upcoming exam as a positive because it helps them to stay motivated. Others might enjoy the fear they feel while watching a scary movie. What seems like a threat to one person might be perceived as a positive challenge to someone else. Their stress response to the same stimulus, therefore, will be different. How to Cope With Different Types of Stress Conditions Associated With General Adaptation SyndromeGeneral adaptation syndrome is not a medical condition that you can be diagnosed with. Rather, it's the process your body goes through automatically when it experiences stress. However, if you are experiencing chronic stress that is negatively affecting your life, it's important that you get help. Mental health conditions that have symptoms related to experiencing stress over extended periods include:
Managing StressStress mitigation techniques can help you cope with GAS. Examples you might want to explore include:
Anyone can become overwhelmed by stress. If you or a loved one are struggling, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. SummaryGeneral adaptation syndrome (GAS) describes the process your body goes through when you are exposed to any kind of stress, positive or negative. It has three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. If you do not resolve the stress that has triggered GAS, it can lead to physical and mental health problems. What Is the Impact of Prolonged Stress? A Word From VerywellThe physical changes your body goes through in response to stress are not harmful on their own. However, when stress continues for a long time and your body enters the exhaustion stage, it can cause long-term problems. What is the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome quizlet?Hans Selye described three predictable stages the body uses to respond to stressors, called general adaptation syndrome (GAS). The first stage is the alarm stage, which provides a burst of energy. In the second stage, known as the resistance stage, the body attempts to resist or adapt to the stressor.
What 3 stages make up the general adaptation syndrome?Selye identified these stages as alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Understanding these different responses and how they relate to each other may help you cope with stress.
Which of the following is the adaptation stage of the general adaptation syndrome quizlet?The GAS consists of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. The first stage of the general adaptation syndrome, in which the person experiences a burst of energy that aids in dealing with the stressful situation.
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