Psychosomatic relationships in patients with hypertension

Abstract

The article discusses the psychological and somatic factors associated with hypertension (HTN) and the characteristics of psychovegetative relationships in HTN from the perspective of a systemic concept of mental adaptation and maladaptation. Emotional and personality traits of individuals with HTN (behavior, anxiety, alexithymia, neurotic traits and cognitive emotion regulation) were identified and their change under the disease effect was noted. Some aspects of adaptation to the disease, adherence to treatment and changes of life quality in people with HTN are noted. Research data were critically analyzed and new lines of searching for psychosomatic factors associated with HTN were suggested. It was proposed to shift the focus from an isolated study of personality traits, and focus on the study of psychovegetative relationships in HTN, in particular, the relationship of emotion regulation (ER) with the cardiovascular response to stress. Due to the association of ER with blood pressure changes and the opportunity to improve ER through psychological aid, and therefore, treat HTN, this approach deserves further consideration as a part of cooperation between medical workers and psychologists.