Alarm Stage

Definition

The alarm stage is the initial phase of the general adaptation syndrome, a model that describes the body's physiological response to stress. This stage is characterized by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the release of hormones that prepare the body to confront or avoid a perceived threat.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The alarm stage is the first phase of the general adaptation syndrome, which is the body's three-stage response to stress.
2. During the alarm stage, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
3. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, while diverting blood flow away from less essential functions.
4. The alarm stage prepares the body to either confront the stressor (fight) or avoid it (flight), a response known as the fight-or-flight reaction.
5. Prolonged or frequent exposure to the alarm stage can lead to the resistance and exhaustion stages of the general adaptation syndrome.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose of the alarm stage in the general adaptation syndrome.
  • The purpose of the alarm stage is to prepare the body to respond to a perceived threat or stressor. During this stage, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase physiological arousal, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, while diverting blood flow away from less essential functions. This fight-or-flight response equips the body to either confront the stressor (fight) or avoid it (flight), allowing the individual to better cope with the challenging situation.
• Describe the relationship between the alarm stage and the stress response.
  • The alarm stage is the initial phase of the body's stress response, as outlined in the general adaptation syndrome. When an individual perceives a threat or challenge, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering the release of hormones that prepare the body to confront or avoid the stressor. This physiological reaction is known as the stress response, and it is the primary function of the alarm stage. The alarm stage sets the stage for the body's subsequent resistance and exhaustion stages in response to prolonged or repeated exposure to stressors.
• Analyze the potential consequences of prolonged or frequent exposure to the alarm stage.
  • Prolonged or frequent exposure to the alarm stage of the general adaptation syndrome can have negative consequences for an individual's health and well-being. The sustained activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the continued release of stress hormones can lead to the resistance and exhaustion stages, where the body's ability to cope with stress becomes increasingly compromised. This can result in a range of physiological and psychological issues, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Effectively managing stress and developing coping strategies to mitigate the effects of the alarm stage are crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Related terms

General Adaptation Syndrome: A model developed by Hans Selye that describes the body's three-stage response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Sympathetic Nervous System: The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing the body to confront or avoid a perceived threat.

Stress Response: The physiological reaction to an internal or external stimulus perceived as a threat or challenge to an individual's well-being.