General Adaptation Syndrome

What is the GAS, who and when

Selye 1976

used to describe the automatic physiological changes that occurs to the body in response to stress

name the 3 stages

alarm reaction

resistance

exhaustion

name the 2 sub stages of alarm reaction

shock

countershock

describe alarm reaction stage

first receive a threat = shock

resistance levels fall below normal

body temperature, blood pressure drops

muscles lose tone temporarily

reduces ability to deal with stressor

aftershock - sns activates, release of adrenaline and noradrenaline

describe the physiological changes resulting from aftershock

increased heart rate

increased glucose and oxygen delivery to muscles

release of cortisol

describe the resistance stage

if stressor remains = resistance stage

body attempts to regulate/stabilize internal systems to combat stressor

prevailing high cortisol levels

wear and tear

increased risk of illness

focus on stressor at expense of normal activities

reduced ability to take on another stressor

describe the exhaustion stage

resources depleted/cortisol drained

fatigue, prone to illness, mental health issues