3 - Before We Climb This Mountain

Summary

To reduce the confusion that has often dogged conversations about stress and illness, this chapter discusses the key terms and concepts. It then discusses some of the key dilemmas that have made the study of stress and illness a complex and sometimes troubled scientific journey. This discussion lays the groundwork for understanding what we know and don’t know, toward a clearer view of what challenges lie ahead for the translation of stress neuroscience into meaningful improvements in clinical practice for the benefit of patients with stress-related illnesses.