Explain the causes, symptoms, and effects of the general adaptation syndrome.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a physiological response sequence to prolonged stress, as described by endocrinologist Hans Selye. The condition progresses through three distinct stages:

The Three Stages

1. Alarm Stage: The initial response when a stressor occurs, characterised by the "fight or flight response" — rapid heart rate, adrenaline release, and heightened alertness.

2. Resistance Stage: Where situational stress resolves and the body attempts to return to a non-stressed state through adaptation and coping mechanisms.

3. Exhaustion Stage: The final stage where prolonged, unrelieved stress leads to serious health consequences as the body's adaptive reserves are depleted.

Symptoms

Fatigue, irritability, concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, hair loss, mouth and throat dryness, anxiety, frequent urination, migraines, depression, and feelings of hopelessness.

Primary Cause and Effects

"Stress is one of the important causes of the GAS. The unrelieved stress could result in the manifestation of several symptoms mentioned above." The syndrome leads to elevated cortisol hormone levels — a hallmark of chronic stress. Treatment approaches focus on stress reduction and complementary therapies like aromatherapy, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioural interventions.