Describe the stages of the general adaptation syndrome. What problems occur with continued exposure to stress?

What will be an ideal response?

* During the alarm stage our flight-or-fight response is activated; the hypothalamus signals the sympathetic nervous system and the pituitary. The combination of sympathetic nervous system activation and an outpouring of hormones prepares the body for a brief period of physical activity in response to a perceived threat.
* During the resistance stage, the body maintains a moderate level of arousal, which improves our ability to withstand the original stressor.
* During the exhaustion stage, the demand for adjustment exceeds the body's ability to respond.
* Continued exposure is accompanied by high levels of heart rate and blood pressure, which leads to increased risk for heart disease; the stress response suppresses the body's immune system and can lead to various psychophysiological disorders.