A behavioral treatment program as a therapy in the control of primary hypertension / Un tratamiento conductal como terapia para el control de la hipertensión primaria

RESUMO

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 Behavior 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). Addicionaly, 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)