Which is the first stage of the GAS?

• A. Alarm stage
• B. Resistance stage
• C. Exhaustion stage
• D. GAS

Answer: (A)

In the General Adaptation Syndrome, the body responds to stress in three stages. The first stage is the alarm stage, where the threat is detected and the body's fight-or-flight response kicks in. The sympathetic nervous system activates quickly, adrenaline and other stress hormones are released, heart rate and blood pressure rise, and energy stores are mobilized to prepare you to act. This immediate mobilization is what characterizes the alarm stage.

If stress continues, the body tries to cope in the resistance stage, using resources to adapt. If the stress persists and resources dwindle, it can then move into the exhaustion stage, where functioning declines. So the initial, foundational response to stress is the alarm stage.