What is the likely outcome of sustained physical arousal associated with fight or flight?

Sustained physical arousal connected to the fight-or-flight response is primarily a physiological reaction to perceived threats. This arousal leads to the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to either confront or flee from danger. Over time, if this state of arousal is prolonged without resolution—for instance, through the absence of rest or relief—it can lead to exhaustion. This exhaustion manifests as both physical and mental fatigue, indicating that the body's resources have been depleted.

Heightened awareness and improved performance may occur during brief episodes of heightened arousal, providing a temporary boost in reaction times and alertness. However, these effects are not sustainable over longer periods. Similarly, while adrenal fatigue could be a term used colloquially to describe a state of exhaustion, it is not a recognized medical diagnosis and typically signifies a misunderstanding of how stress hormones operate in chronic stress situations. Thus, the most accurate outcome of prolonged or sustained arousal is indeed exhaustion, as the body cannot maintain such heightened states indefinitely without succumbing to fatigue.