title: Behavioral treatment of high blood pressure: III. Follow-up results and treatment recommendations.
abstract: This article is the third in a series of studies designed to evaluate systolic blood pressure biofeedback and relaxation in the treatment of elevated blood pressure. It reports on the posttreatment follow-up results. The main findings were that patients who received the behavioral treatments could achieve and sustain reductions in blood pressure for at least 18 months. Furthermore, a number of patients who were receiving diuretic therapy to control their pressures were able to maintain reduced pressure for at least 9 months after discontinuing medication. A model for a behavioral-stepped care program is proposed.
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012064:Relaxation Therapy
chemical_list: D004232:Diuretics