What is the first stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome?

What is the first stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome?

• A. Exhaustion Stage
• B. Alarm Reaction
• C. Recovery Stage
• D. Resistance Stage

Answer: (B)

Alarm reaction is the body's immediate response to a stressor, triggering the fight-or-flight response through the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis. Adrenaline and other hormones are released, raising heart rate, respiration, and energy mobilization to prepare you to cope. If the stress continues, the body moves into the resistance stage, trying to adapt to the ongoing demand. Prolonged stress can lead to exhaustion, where resources are depleted and defenses may fail. The other stages describe what happens after that initial surge, not the first reaction.

Alarm reaction is the body's immediate response to a stressor, triggering the fight-or-flight response through the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis. Adrenaline and other hormones are released, raising heart rate, respiration, and energy mobilization to prepare you to cope. If the stress continues, the body moves into the resistance stage, trying to adapt to the ongoing demand. Prolonged stress can lead to exhaustion, where resources are depleted and defenses may fail. The other stages describe what happens after that initial surge, not the first reaction.