What is the first stage of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) by Hans Selye?

The first stage of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) as proposed by Hans Selye is the alarm stage. In this initial phase, the body responds to a stressor with a "fight or flight" response. This reaction activates the body’s defense mechanisms to cope with the threat, leading to physiological changes such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened alertness.

During the alarm stage, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare it to confront the stressor or flee from it. This response is crucial for survival in the short term, as it provides the necessary energy and focus to deal with immediate challenges.

The subsequent stages, resistance and exhaustion, occur only if the stressor persists beyond the initial response, but the emphasis in this context is on the significance of recognizing the alarm stage as the starting point of the body's reaction to stress. Understanding this stage is essential for recognizing how stress impacts physical and psychological health over time.