Publisher's Synopsis
The first edition of this book was ranked as Amazon and New York Times bestseller. This second edition of the book continues to discuss the concept of stress based on accumulated scientific evidence so that the physiology and biochemistry of the stress response cycle can be better understood. The effect of stress on the target organs of the body to induce diseases and change behaviours has been well documented, but the origin of stress has not been uniformly addressed.The existence of stress has not been taken with seriousness, because it is said that it cannot be measured. I have developed ways by which stress can be measured.The uniqueness of this book lies in its presentation of stress by illustrating anatomical pathways and physiological measurements, as well as links between memory, cognitive appraisal, coping and perception to justify why stress should be viewed as a defence mechanism of the body.Furthermore, the concept of feedback mechanisms is used to explain some blood pressure tracings in the book to demonstrate why the metabolic state in the internal environment of the body should be called allostasis and not homeostasis.Unique, too, is the discussion of stress-related metabolic derangements leading to hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia with atherosclerosis, cancer, psychosis, as well as imbalances in body pH and electrolyte levels. Stress also impacts through epigenetics to change the phenotype during the lifespan of the individual.This book is recommended for use by undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers, as well as practitioners in the medical, psychological, social sciences, sports and allied health fields.James L. Mills, MD, PhD, was Senior Lecturer, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
