Page last updated: 2024-10-24

general adaptation syndrome, behavioral process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The set of behavioral processes that occur as part of the general adaptation syndrome, the response of the body to a strong, stressful stimulus. [GOC:ai]

The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a three-stage physiological response to stress developed by Hans Selye. The behavioral process encompasses the following stages:

**Alarm Stage:**

- Initial encounter with the stressor triggers the "fight-or-flight" response.
- The sympathetic nervous system is activated, releasing adrenaline and cortisol.
- This leads to increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and alertness.
- The body prepares to confront the stressor, but this stage is short-lived.

**Resistance Stage:**

- If the stressor persists, the body enters the resistance stage.
- Cortisol levels remain elevated, enabling the body to cope with the stressor.
- The body adapts to the ongoing stress, but it's at a cost.
- Energy stores are depleted, and the immune system becomes weakened.

**Exhaustion Stage:**

- Prolonged exposure to stress depletes the body's resources.
- The resistance stage becomes unsustainable.
- The body becomes vulnerable to illness, both physical and mental.
- Burnout, anxiety, depression, and chronic illness are common outcomes.

**Behavioral Processes:**

- **Coping Mechanisms:** Individuals develop strategies to manage stress, such as problem-solving, avoidance, or seeking social support. These can be adaptive or maladaptive depending on their effectiveness and impact on well-being.
- **Stress-Related Behaviors:** These may include changes in eating habits, sleep patterns, substance use, or social withdrawal.
- **Cognitive Appraisal:** How individuals interpret and evaluate stressful events significantly influences their emotional and behavioral responses.
- **Emotional Regulation:** Managing and expressing emotions effectively is crucial for adapting to stress. This includes techniques like mindfulness, relaxation, and seeking emotional support.

The GAS framework emphasizes the interconnectedness of physiological and behavioral responses to stress. It highlights the importance of recognizing and managing stress to prevent its detrimental effects on physical and mental health.'
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Proteins (1)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1A corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P34998]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (15)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
hypericin
nbi 27914dialkylarylamine;
tertiary amino compound
antalarminantalarmin : A pyrrolopyrimidine that is 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amine which is substituted by methyl groups at positions 2, 5, and 6, by a mesityl group at position 7, and in which the amino substituent at position 4 has been substituted by ethyl and butyl groups. It is an antagonist of corticotropin-releasing factor 1 (CRF-1) receptors (Ki = 1 nM).pyrrolopyrimidine;
tertiary amino compound
corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist
ssr 125543aSSR125543: a CRF1 receptor antagonist with antidepressant-like effectsamine
cp 154526
ucb 35625UCB 35625: J-113863 is the (trans)-isomer; structure in first source
r 121919
pexacerfontpyrazolopyridine
4-(3-pentylamino)-2,7-dimethyl-8-(2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrazolo(1,5-a)pyrimidine4-(3-pentylamino)-2,7-dimethyl-8-(2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrazolo(1,5-a)pyrimidine: an hCRF(1) antagonist; structure in first source
nbi-34041NBI-34041: high-affinity CRF1 (corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1) receptor antagonist for attenuating elevated stress response
dmp 696DMP 696: a CRF(1) receptor antagonist; structure in first source
cp 154526CP 154526: structure in first source
gsk 561679NBI 77860: a CRF1 receptor antagonist; structure in first source
bms 665053BMS 665053: structure in first source
nitd 609NITD 609: an antimalarial and coccidiostat; structure in first source