Selye Adaptation Syndrome

Selye adaptation syndrome (SAS) is the body’s reaction to various stress factors, such as physical activity, emotional experiences, changes in the environment, etc. SAS was discovered by Canadian pathologist Hans Selye in 1936 and named after him.

SAS includes several stages, each of which has its own characteristics and manifestations. The first stage is the anxiety phase, when the body tries to adapt to a new state. At this stage, symptoms such as increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sweating, etc. may appear. The second stage is the stage of resistance, when the body begins to adapt to new conditions. At this stage, symptoms may decrease or disappear, but others may appear in their place, for example, fatigue, decreased immunity, sleep disturbances, etc. The third stage is exhaustion, when the body cannot cope with new stress and begins to suffer from various diseases.

One of the main manifestations of SAS is an increase in the level of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol helps the body adapt to stress, but its excess can lead to various diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, etc.

To avoid the development of ASC, it is necessary to respond correctly to stressful situations. For example, you can use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga, and engage in physical activity to improve your mood and strengthen your immune system. It is also important to monitor your diet and sleep patterns so that your body can fully recover from stress.

Selye adaptation syndrome

Selye proposed his theory of human adaptation to various stresses. He is considered the founder of modern stress theory. Characterizes the body's reaction in response to extreme stimuli, when the body's adaptive capabilities are insufficient and lead to weakening or loss of functions under the influence of extreme environmental factors. Development of S. a. With. may not end in illness, but in death. Persons with such a reaction to stress are classified as “deadly”, i.e. their body is weak and wasteful. According to Selye's theory, under stress the brain releases a special kind of substance that excites the nervous system. An increase in these substances causes a so-called nonspecific stress reaction. The syndrome develops if the body’s ability to react is insufficient or is long-term inadequate in strength. In other words, it is progressive in nature. This mechanism was discovered by Selye in connection with the study of acute purulent inflammation. The development of this inflammation has been shown to be accompanied by a slight decrease in corticosteroid levels. Selye formulated the concept of the body's reactivity to various exogenous and endogenous influences. Reactivity at different periods of life is expressed by the number of leukocytes in the blood, the presence of lymphocytes in the bone marrow, and the difference in the balance of the sympathetic-adrenal system. His idea is still relevant today. Thus, adaptation disorders are possible both in the direction of distress and eustress.