First published in 2005, this book introduces the concept of allostasis and places it within the context of traditional homeostatic regulation.

1. Principles of allostasis: optimal design, predictive regulation, pathophysiology and rational therapeutics Peter Sterling; 2. Protection and damaging effects of the mediators of stress and adaptation: allostasis and allostatic load Bruce S. McEwen; 3. Merging of the homeostatic theory with the concept of allostatic load David S. Goldstein; 4. Operationalizing allostatic load Burton Singer, Carol D. Ryff and Teresa Seeman; 5. Drug addiction and allostasis George F. Koob and Michael LeMoal; 6. Adaptive fear and the pathology of anxiety and depression: an allostatic framework Jeffrey B. Rosen and Jay Schulkin; 7. A chronobiological perspective on allostasis and its application to shift work Ziad Boulos and Alan M. Rosenwasser; 8. Allostatic load and life cycles: implications for neuroendocrine control mechanisms John C. Wingfield; 9. Commentary: viability as opposed to stability: an evolutionary perspective on physiological regulation Michael L. Power.