General adaptation syndrome (GAS) is a theory that describes the physiological changes the body experiences when under stress. The syndrome includes three stages: the alarm stage, the resistance stage, and the exhaustion stage. Show
The first GAS stage contains two substages:
Following the alarm stage, the body begins to repair itself. If the stressful situation is resolved, the body continues to repair itself until it returns to its pre-stress state. If the stressful situation is not resolved, the body remains on high alert, eventually adapting to the higher stress level. Stress hormones and blood pressure remain elevated. This can lead to hypertension and heart problems as well as irritability, frustration, and poor concentration. This stage occurs during prolonged or chronic stress when the body’s adaptation to higher stress levels starts to break down. The body no longer has the strength or resources to fight the stress. Signs of the exhaustion stage include, but are not limited to, the following:
For short-term or mild stressors, the alarm stage is not harmful. It is a natural mechanism that is designed to protect the body from danger. However, when prolonged or chronic stress is experienced, the body may not be able to repair itself in a timely manner, which can lead to the exhaustion stage. Understanding the stages of GAS can help with the identification of personal stress signals, which can help with the reduction of stress levels.
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ShareHans 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. 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.
Common symptoms for this portion of the General Adaptation Syndrome stages:
Stage of ExhaustionThe body loses the ability to adapt/body is burnt out from stress.
Common symptoms for this portion of the General Adaptation Syndrome stages:
Supplements to Restore Depleted Adrenal Reserves
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Annabelle Bennett
Annabelle Bennett is a Clinical Support Specialist at Sanesco. She is a recent Clemson University alumnus with a Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences. She enjoys getting her dopamine boosts from coffee, the beach, and her two little dogs. Disclaimer: The information provided is only intended to be general educational information to the public. It does not constitute medical advice. If you have specific questions about any medical matter or if you are suffering from any medical condition, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. Stay up to date with sanescoOther Related BlogsFollow UsGet ConnectedGet Setup and start todaySign Up for Our NewsletterWhat is the exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome?3. Exhaustion stage. This stage is the result of prolonged or chronic stress. Struggling with stress for long periods can drain your physical, emotional, and mental resources to the point where your body no longer has strength to fight stress. You may give up or feel your situation is hopeless.
What happens during the exhaustion phase of GAS?After an extended period of stress, the body goes into the final stage of GAS, known as the exhaustion stage. At this stage, the body has depleted its energy resources by continually trying but failing to recover from the initial alarm reaction stage.
How is general adaptation syndrome characterized?Summary. General 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 general adaptation syndrome or GAS?General adaptation syndrome (GAS) is a theory that describes the physiological changes the body experiences when under stress. The syndrome includes three stages: the alarm stage, the resistance stage, and the exhaustion stage.
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