On the basis of theoretical, clinical and experimental analyses the influence of different stress categories, especially of psycho-emotional and socio-emotional stress, upon cerebro-visceral regulation processes is investigated. Central-nervous information processing in various brain areas (neocortex, limbic system, hypothalamus, formatio reticularis mesencephali etc.) and learning processes are equally affected by stress factors as are haemodynamic and biochemical parameters. Changes of the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, of plasma renin activity, catechol amine release and the counter-regulatory insulin enhancement are especially pronounced in "stress-sensitive risk persons", e.g. in the hypertensive as a maladaptive dysregulation-as opposed to the adaptive regulation capacity of healthy individuals. The investigated functional patterns of different systems of the organism allow the distinction of hyper- and hyporeactive forms of maladaptation. The pathogenetic efficiency of stress is determined not only by the quantity, quality, duration of exposure and basic processes of the central nervous system, but also by man's personality structure and his sensitivity to stress (genetic predisposition and/or acquired maladaptation). More insight into the neuro-biological processes underlying the motivational and psycho-emotional performance of the brain and its connection withe humoral-hormonal and cardiovascular systems is necessary to treat and to control cerebrovisceral dysregulations such as arterial essential hypertension. It will be a task of psychotherapy to help improve man's adaptive capacity and to desensibilize stress-sensitive risk persons.