Question 1

What is the Meaning of General Adaptation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), proposed by Hans Selye, describes the body's non-specific physiological response to persistent demands. It unfolds in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion if the stressor persists. It represents a universal biological coping mechanism.

Question 2

What is the Context of General Adaptation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

GAS operates within the neuroendocrine system, integrating the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Perceived stressors prompt brain signals to adrenal glands, releasing cortisol and catecholamines. This coordinated activation mobilizes resources and maintains internal stability.

Question 3

What is the Significance of General Adaptation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Understanding GAS is fundamental in clinical practice, framing how chronic stress contributes to various health conditions. Prolonged activation can precipitate or exacerbate issues like chronic fatigue, metabolic dysregulation, and immune compromise. Recognizing these patterns aids effective symptom management and strategy development.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of General Adaptation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The alarm stage involves immediate sympathetic activation, surging adrenaline and noradrenaline for "fight or flight." Continued stress leads to the resistance stage, with sustained HPA axis activity and elevated cortisol for adaptation. Persistent stress leads to exhaustion, depleting physiological reserves, causing organ damage and declining systemic resilience.

Question 5

What is the Application of General Adaptation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, GAS explains why chronically stressed individuals present with diverse symptoms, from fatigue and sleep disturbances to digestive issues. It informs therapeutic approaches: stress reduction, lifestyle modifications, and physiological balance restoration. Providers educate patients on the link between stressors and overall health.

Question 6

What is the Metric of General Adaptation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Assessing GAS impact involves evaluating physiological markers. Salivary or serum cortisol levels indicate HPA axis function. Heart rate variability (HRV) offers insight into autonomic nervous system balance. Inflammatory markers and subjective symptom questionnaires contribute to understanding an individual's stress response progression.

Question 7

What is the Risk of General Adaptation Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Sustained GAS progression, particularly into exhaustion, carries substantial health risks. Chronic cortisol elevation can lead to insulin resistance, visceral fat accumulation, and bone demineralization. Immune suppression increases infection vulnerability. Unmanaged, this prolonged stress response can significantly increase chronic disease likelihood and reduce quality of life.

General Adaptation Syndrome

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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