Featuring informative reviews by leading investigators, this publication seeks to clarify the complex psychobiological mechanisms influencing the predisposition to, and onset or occurrence of, psychosomatic disorders. The effect of external social influences on the endocrine system is discussed by S. Levine, a pioneer in this area of research. From another perspective, the latest research on the newly discovered neuromodulators which play a possible role in behavior is summarized. The significance of neuroendocrine research for the understanding of human stress vulnerability is discussed. Attention is also focused on the implications of amino acid control of neurotransmitter synthesis and release, suggesting a close interaction between nutrition, neuroendocrine changes and eating disorders. Concluding with a comprehensive summary of the fundamental mechanisms involved in neural-immune signaling, this publication illustrates the growing importance of neuropsychobiology to clinical psychosomatic research.
