General Adaptation Syndrome

General adaptation syndrome (GAS) refers to a model proposed by Hans Selye that outlines the three stages the body undergoes during periods of prolonged stress. The stages of GAS include alarm, resistance and exhaustion. Selye was among the first to study the relationship between psychological distress and physical symptoms.

Stress

• When applied to the human body, the term stress refers to the body's response to external demands. More specifically, this term refers to a variety of physiological mechanisms employed to make the individual better equipped to respond to danger. These mechanisms can be essential to one's survival in moments of acute danger, but as Seyle observed, when activated over a sustained period of time, they can result in a variety of physical problems.

Alarm

• Alarm is the body's initial response to a perceived threat and the first stage of general adaptation syndrome. During this stage, the body begins the production and release of several hormones that affect the functioning of the body and brain. These processes increase alertness and conserve energy, making the individual better equipped to respond to immediate danger.

Resistance

• During the resistance stage of GAS, the internal stress response continues but external symptoms of arousal disappear as the individual attempts to cope with stressful conditions.

Exhaustion

• In the final stage of GAS, the prolonged activation of the stress response depletes the body's resources, resulting in permanent physical damage or death.

Stress and Health

• One aspect of the stress response is the suppression of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection and disease. Problems associated with chronic stress include ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and depression.