Which among the following statements best describes the alarm phase of the general adaptation syndrome?
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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. Show
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:
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. 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. 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. 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:
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. 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. Understanding which stressors affect you and learning strategies to cope with stress can help you avoid the consequences of chronic stress. If you are having a hard time coping with stress, it's
important to reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional for support. What is the alarm stage of the general adaptation syndrome?At the alarm reaction stage, a distress signal is sent to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus enables the release of hormones called glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids trigger the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which is a stress hormone. The adrenaline gives a person a boost of energy.
What is the second stage of the general adaptation syndrome?2. Resistance stage. After the initial shock of a stressful event and having a fight-or-flight response, the body begins to repair itself. It releases a lower amount of cortisol, and your heart rate and blood pressure begin to normalize.
Which of the following is true of the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome?Which of the following is true about the general adaptation syndrome? The first stage of the general adaptation syndrome is known as the alarm and mobilization stage. Sally was irritated as her cell phone got switched off due to low battery.
What occurs in your body during the alarm stage of the stress response?Alarm Stage During the alarm stage, your body releases a substance called adrenaline into your blood. Adrenaline causes many immediate changes in your body, as a shown in Figure 4. Your heart beats faster, your breathing speeds up, and your muscles tense. Your attention narrows as you focus on the stressors.
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