Behavioral treatment of high blood pressure: III. Follow-up results and treatment recommendations.

This article is the third in a series of studies designed to evaluate systolic blood pressure biofeedback and relaxation in the treatment of elevated blood pressure. It reports on the posttreatment follow-up results. The main findings were that patients who received the behavioral treatments could achieve and sustain reductions in blood pressure for at least 18 months. Furthermore, a number of patients who were receiving diuretic therapy to control their pressures were able to maintain reduced pressure for at least 9 months after discontinuing medication. A model for a behavioral-stepped care program is proposed.