ADAPTATION SYNDROME Meaning and
Definition
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Adaptation syndrome, also known as the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), is a physiological response that occurs in individuals as a result of prolonged and continuous exposure to stressful situations or stimuli. It was first proposed by the Canadian endocrinologist Hans Selye in the 1930s and has since become a fundamental concept in the field of stress research.
The adaptation syndrome is characterized by a three-stage response pattern: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. During the alarm stage, the body recognizes the presence of a stressor and activates the "fight-or-flight" response, releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This stage represents a temporary state of heightened alertness and increased physiological activity.
The resistance stage follows the alarm stage and involves the body's attempt to adapt and cope with the stressor. Hormones continue to be released, allowing the body to maintain an elevated level of resistance to stress. However, this stage is not sustainable in the long term, and if the stressor persists, the body eventually enters the third stage.
The exhaustion stage is the final phase of the adaptation syndrome. At this point, the body's resources become depleted, and fatigue sets in. Physiological and emotional symptoms may become more pronounced, and the individual becomes more susceptible to illness and disease.
Overall, the adaptation syndrome is a conceptual framework used to understand the physiological changes that occur during periods of prolonged stress. It highlights the body's natural response to stressors and the potential consequences of prolonged exposure to stress if the body's adaptive capacity is exceeded.
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Etymology of ADAPTATION SYNDROME
The word "adaptation" comes from the Latin word "adaptatio", which means "adjustment" or "fitting". The suffix "-ation" is used to form nouns denoting action, process, or result. In the context of biology and psychology, adaptation refers to the adjustment of an organism or individual to a new environment or circumstances.
The term "adaptation syndrome" was coined by the Canadian endocrinologist Hans Selye in the 1930s. Selye introduced this concept to describe a set of physiological responses that occur in the body when it is subjected to prolonged or excessive stress. The term "syndrome" refers to a group of symptoms and signs that typically occur together and indicate a particular condition or disease.
Selye's research focused on the body's response to stressors and how it adapts to them.
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