What happens during the alarm stage of general adaptation syndrome?

The alarm stage is the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), a three-stage model of the body's response to stress. During the alarm stage, the body perceives a stressor and responds by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The alarm stage is characterized by intense physiological arousal and a heightened sense of awareness.