Describe the Three Stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome

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The Answer is The answer should include the following information: Hans Selye showed that the devastating effects of prolonged stress developed in three progressive stages, which he termed the general adaptation syndrome. The first stage is the alarm stage. In this stage, catecholamines are released by the adrenal medulla, intense arousal occurs, and the body mobilizes internal physical resources to meet the demands of the stress-producing event. The second stage is the resistance stage. As the body tries to adapt to the continuing stressful situation, physiological arousal lessens but remains above normal. Resistance to new stressors is impaired. The third stage is the exhaustion stage. If the stress-producing event persists, the symptoms of the alarm stage reappear, only now they are irreversible. The body's energy reserves become depleted and adaptation begins to break down, leading to exhaustion, physical disorders, and potentially, death.

Describe the Three Stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome

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