On So-Called Psychogenic Influences in Essential Hypertension

Abstract

A short review is presented of the current state of knowledge concerning the influence of psychogenic factors in the development and course of essential hypertension. A number of independent investigators have found that sufferers from essential hypertension have personalities which are characterized by certain kinds of emotionally conflicting states. In general, they can neither accept their strongly dependent attitudes nor express their hostile impulses. There is as yet no final proof as to the role psychological factors play. The finding that acute emotional excitement results in temporary rises in blood pressure should not lead one to infer that continuing emotional or conflictual states can produce chronic elevations in blood pressure. Psychotherapy greatly benefits some patients suffering from essential hypertension.