Stress Response: Understanding Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome

What is the General Adaptation Syndrome (GiAS) response according to Selye?

How do hormones regulate the GiAS response?

General Adaptation Syndrome Response

Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GiAS) is a three-stage response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Hormones Regulating GiAS Response

The hormones involved in regulating the GiAS response include adrenaline (epinephrine), cortisol, and norepinephrine. Adrenaline and norepinephrine are released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, while cortisol is released by the adrenal cortex. These hormones work together to prepare the body for action, regulate energy metabolism, and modulate the stress response.

Understanding Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GiAS) can provide valuable insights into how our bodies respond to stress. The GiAS response consists of three stages that illustrate the body's adaptive mechanisms when faced with stressors.

Alarm Stage:

During the alarm stage, the body perceives a threat and immediately activates the "fight-or-flight" response. This triggers the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline and cortisol work synergistically to increase heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels, preparing the body to respond to the stressor effectively.

Resistance Stage:

In the resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt and cope with the ongoing stress. Hormones like cortisol continue to be released, helping to maintain elevated energy levels and suppress unnecessary bodily functions like digestion and reproduction. This stage allows the body to sustain its response to stress over a more extended period.

Exhaustion Stage:

If the stress persists for a prolonged duration or is too severe, the body enters the exhaustion stage. In this stage, the body's resources become depleted, and its ability to cope with stress diminishes. Hormone levels drop, leading to fatigue, decreased immune function, and increased susceptibility to illnesses.

By understanding the role of hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine in regulating the GiAS response, we can better comprehend how our bodies manage stress and adapt to challenging situations. These hormones play crucial roles in orchestrating the body's physiological responses to stress, highlighting the complex interplay between the endocrine system and stress physiology.