Stress prevention and management: a challenge for patients and physicians.

Chronic stress is now the commonest contributor to ill health in modern societies. The cost of stress in terms of absenteeism, lost productivity, and health care expense is rapidly increasing. As the problem continues to worsen, there will be an increasing need for interactive systems designed to help people cope with stress. Effective prevention of stress's adverse effects will require the widest possible deployment and implementation of stress reduction strategies.