A type of Stress model. And the steps involved in general adaptation syndrome

1. GENERAL ADAPTATION
SYNDROME(SEYLE MODEL)
BY,
B. KAAVYA
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE, TRICHY 2

2. • Dr. Hans seyle defined stess as the non specific response of the body to any demand
made on it.
• Meaning of Stress: Stress is a general term applied to various psychologic and
physiologic pressure experienced or felt by people throughout their lives.
• Definition of Stress: A state of psychological and pysiological imbalance resulting
from the disparity between situational demand and the individuals ability and
motivation to meet those needs.
• Three stages:
1. Alarm stage
2. Resistance stage
3.Exhaution stage

3. ALARM STAGE
• The body’s first response to a stressor
• Adrenal cortex releases hormones called glucocorticoids,
• It also activates the sympathetic nervous system.
• These hormones brings about flight or fight response.
• This response is characterized by :
1. An increase in heart rate
2. High blood pressure
3. Increase in blood glucose levels
4. Dilation of pupil

4. RESISTANCE STAGE
• During this stage adrenal cortex continues to release the glucocorticoids to help
the body resist stressors.
• The length of the resistance stage depends both on the strength or intensity of the
stressor and on the body’s power to adapt.
• The affected person tries to adapt to the stressor.
• So one might experience symptoms such as:
1. Fatigue
2. Irritability
3. Loss of concentration
4. Lethargy

5. EXHAUSTION STAGE
• This stage is the result of prolonged or chronic stress.
• Chronic stress can have an adverse effect on the immune system,digestive
system, circulatory system,etc.
• All energies are depleted and disintegrated and death follow.
• Hence the body fails in its efforts to resist the stressor.
• Symptoms:
1. Reduce tolerance to stress.
2. Extreme mental and physical exhaustion.
3. Susceptibility to disease of adaptation.

7. CONCLUSION
• The response to stress can vary depending on personality of individual
perception of the stressor.
• Chronic stress is extremely deterimental to one’s physical and emotional well
being.
• It can lead to the suppression of HPA system, and leads to disease.
• Therefore every individual must ensure that stress is dealt with adequately so as
to prevent the stage of exhaustion from setting in.