The exhaustion phase of the general adaptation syndrome (gas) is characterized by

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.

The first GAS stage contains two substages:

  • In the shock phase, body temperature and blood pressure both decrease. Loss of fluid from body tissues also occurs.
  • In the countershock phase, the body’s fight-or-flight response is triggered. Heart rate and blood pressure increase as stress hormones and adrenaline are released.

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:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Severe loss of concentration
  • Fatigue
  • Depressed mood
  • Trembling or jumpiness
  • Anxiety attacks
  • Crying spells
  • Stress-related illnesses

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.

Sanesco Blog

  • May 16, 2016
  • By Annabelle Bennett

  • 2 minute read

Share

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.

Three Phases of General Adaptation Syndrome

Dr. Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome involves three phases: Alarm Phase, Stage of Resistance, and Stage of Exhaustion.

The exhaustion phase of the general adaptation syndrome (gas) is characterized by

Stage of Alarm

Body’s immediate response to stress

  • Cortisol is elevated
  • DHEA is elevated

Common symptoms for this portion of the General Adaptation Syndrome stages:

  • Tissue catabolism
  • Low blood glucose levels
  • Gastro-intestinal erosions
  • Sleep issues

Stage of Resistance

This stage is initiated by the pregnenolone steal in which cortisol is made at the expense of DHEA to sustain adaptability.

  • Cortisol is elevated
  • DHEA is decreased
  • Epinephrine may be increased to help sustain energy and blood sugar levels

Common symptoms for this portion of the General Adaptation Syndrome stages:

  • Sleep issues, due to high cortisol
  • Some people stay in this phase for a lifetime, while others further deteriorate

Stage of Exhaustion

The body loses the ability to adapt/body is burnt out from stress.

  • Cortisol is low
  • DHEA is low
  • Epinephrine is low

Common symptoms for this portion of the General Adaptation Syndrome stages:

  • Severe fatigue
  • Allergies
  • Inability to sleep through the night
  • Salt cravings

Supplements to Restore Depleted Adrenal Reserves

  • Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng)
  • Eleutherococcus senticosus
  • Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)
  • Ashwagandha
  • Rhodiola rosea
  • Adrenal cortex glandular
  • B complex
  • Vitamin C

References:

  1. Head, KA and Kelly, GS. (2009). Nutrients and Botanicals for Treatment of Stress: Adrenal Fatigue, Neurotransmitter Imbalance, Anxiety, and Restless Sleep. Alternative Medicine Review, 14 (2), 114 – 140.
  2. Selye, H. (1950). Stress and the General Adaptation Syndrome. British Medical Journal, 1 (4667), 1383 – 1392.
  3. Szabo S, Tache Y, and Somogyi A. (2012). The legacy of Hans Selye and the origins of stress research: A retrospective 75 years after his landmark brief “Letter” to the Editor of Nature. Stress, 15 (5), 472 – 478

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 sanesco

Follow Us

Get Connected

Get Setup and start today

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

What 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.