title: Could Blood Pressure Phobia Go Beyond the White Coat Effect?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  While it is known that excessive anxiety surrounding the measuring of blood pressure may preclude an accurate measurement, it is not known whether it could also lead to phobic avoidance behavior.
  
  
  METHODS
  Self-reported information was collected on 125 individuals who made postings on 5 internet-based medical forums.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Qualitative thematic analysis revealed that these individuals reported experiencing intense fear associated with the measuring of blood pressure, that was excessive or irrational and which contributed to avoidance of medical treatment and interference with life decisions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on these preliminary observations, we are speculating that these symptoms could be considered consistent with a diagnosis of a Specific Phobia. Investigations using quantitative methods, representative samples, and standardized clinical instruments need to be conducted before definitive conclusions can be reached.
authors: Department of Psychology, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA; kdillon@wne.edu.
authors: Kathleen M
authors: KM
authors: Dillon
authors: Department of Psychology, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA;
authors: Jason D
authors: JD
authors: Seacat
authors: Department of Psychology, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA;
authors: Cory D
authors: CD
authors: Saucier
authors: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA; Riverbend Medical Group, Hypertension Clinic, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: Courtney J
authors: CJ
authors: Doyle-Campbell
mesh_terms: D001362:Avoidance Learning; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000523:psychology*; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011580:Psychological Techniques; D059466:White Coat Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology
keywords: avoidance; blood pressure; blood pressure measurement; hypertension; qualitative analysis; specific phobias; white coat hypertension.