A behavioral treatment program as a therapy in the control of primary hypertension

Abstract

In order to assess the effects of a Behavioral Treatment Program in the control of primary hypertension, twenty one unmedicated hypertensives were randomly allocated to three groups: first, a treatment group (BHG) receiving a Behavioral Treatment which included: deep muscle relaxation, peripheral temperature Biofeedback and anxiety management training; second, the placebo attention control group (PHG) and third, a control group of hypertensives too (CHG). Additionally, were compared with seven normotensives subjects (CNG). The post-treatment measures showed a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in systolic and diastolic values only in the (BHG). In a six months follow-up the (BHG) group still showed a significant reduction in the systolic and diastolic BP (p < 0.02; p < 0.01). Moreover individual variations in response to treatment were observed in this group, (BHG).