[How are psychological processes, the neuroendocrine system and immune system integrated?].

This short overview shows that there are bidirectional interactions between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system and deals with their anatomical and physiological correlates. Moreover, a number of immunological findings related to exogenous stress, depressive disorders and schizophrenias are discussed. An attempt is made to cautiously interpret the data presented and to demonstrate that the field of psychoneuroimmunology provides plenty of rewarding challenges for future research.