AbstractThe spectrum of stress,inter alia, comprises: the concept of stress — originated in its present form by Hans Selye; technosocial contributory factors — urbanization, oral contraception, television, microelectronics; individual vulnerability — overall effects, age and personality factors, common sources; reactions and responses — getting emotional support, coping behaviour, the development of illness(es); and depressive illness as a stress paradigm — its nature, management and growing importance in the wo