Psychological methods in treatment of essential hypertension

Abstract

Background: The article presents the results of research into the most commonly used methods of psychological support in the treatment of hypertensive patients, including relaxation and meditation techniques, mindfulness training, music therapy, yoga, aromatherapy and biofeedback techniques. Selected psychological aspects of adherence to the antihypertensive treatment are reviewed. Some notes about personality-oriented counselling and psychotherapy in the treatment of hypertension are raised. Material and methods: In the search for high quality studies, mainly PubMed and EBSCO databases were used, and the journals of such publishers as Elsevier, Hindawi and the American Psychological Association. Results: Studies on methods of psychological support in hypertensive treatment are mostly controversial due to the lack of assessment of the long-term effects of the intervention, and the complexity of the subject of the study. The most convincing is to use individually selected methods based on the development of mental self-regulation skills (Jacobson’s relaxation technique, meditation, biofeedback therapy and mindfulness training). Music therapy, yoga and aromatherapy can also be helpful for patients involved in antihypertensive treatment. Using methods of psychological help, one should take into account restrictions and contraindications, as well as take some precautions. In order to increase the effectiveness of the antihypertensive therapy, it is proposed to conduct health and educational programmes for hypertensive patients, as well as short training courses on communication skills for health care workers. Conclusion: Responsible use of individually selected assistive treatment psychological methods can be helpful for people with arterial hypertension.