Two hundred and sixty-one obese essential hypertension patients from 15 rural general practices were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 155) or to waiting control group (n = 106). The experimental group underwent psychological group treatment aimed at weight reduction, improvement of stress coping, and reduction of salt-intake. Sixteen therapy sessions were conducted in each of the general practices by specifically trained lay therapists who applied a standardized, highly structured therapy programme. During the time of the study, both experimental group and waiting control group received intensified medical attention. After the 6-months therapy, health knowledge and health behaviour of the patients had improved. Mean weight reduction was 5.2 kg. Blood pressure had decreased by a mean of 14.4 mm Hg (systolic)/7.4 mm Hg (diastolic). After a follow-up period of four months, the beneficial effects of the group treatment were confirmed: Patients needed less anti-hypertensive medication and consistent reduction of body weight prevailed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1985

Psychological approaches to improve patient compliance.

Since mild hypertension causes no symptoms, patient compliance is a particular problem. Group therapy was used to improve patients' knowledge of their condition, and to combat contributory factors such as obesity, smoking and high salt intake. The programme was developed with the help of medical psychologists and was assessed in 25 general practices. The group therapy programme resulted in significant reductions of blood pressure and body weight which were maintained for one year. The method seems suitable for use in general practice.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

[General medicine--a specialty in its own right (author's transl)].

The daily tasks of a general practitioner as they are laid down in the professional regulations and substantiated in the subsequent performance justifies the recognition of general practice as a special field of medicine in its own right which should be represented in teaching and research. In contrast to some neighboring countries, here in the Federal Republic of Germany the development is still in its early stages, which in the interest of the matter, especially of the patients and their families, should be overcome as quickly as possible.

Education, Medical↗

PubMed1979