What is the Origin of General Adaptation Syndrome?

This foundational concept in stress physiology was first introduced and systematically studied by the Hungarian-Canadian endocrinologist Hans Selye in the mid-20th century. Selye's pioneering work demonstrated that diverse noxious stimuli elicited a common pattern of hormonal and physiological changes, which he termed "stress." His observations shifted the focus of medicine toward understanding the systemic, long-term consequences of persistent biological strain.

What is the Mechanism of General Adaptation Syndrome?

The alarm stage initiates the immediate release of catecholamines and glucocorticoids, mobilizing energy resources via the HPA axis. If the stressor persists, the body enters the resistance stage, attempting to normalize physiological parameters while maintaining an elevated cortisol output to cope with the demand. Crucially, if the stressor is unremitting, the system progresses to the exhaustion stage, characterized by a breakdown of homeostatic mechanisms, potential adrenal fatigue, and an increased susceptibility to illness due to sustained allostatic load and immune suppression.

General Adaptation Syndrome

Meaning

The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a well-established physiological model describing the body’s predictable, non-specific response to chronic or acute stress, whether physical, emotional, or environmental. This systemic reaction is divided into three distinct stages: the alarm reaction, the stage of resistance, and the stage of exhaustion. Understanding the GAS is essential in hormonal health, as prolonged stress can profoundly dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and deplete adrenal reserve, impacting overall well-being.