Labelling in hypertension: A review of the behavioural and psychological consequences

doi:10.1016/0021-9681(84)90070-5

Journal of Chronic Diseases

Volume 37, Issue 12, 1984, Pages 933-942

Journal of Chronic D...

https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9681(84)90070-5 Get rights and content

Abstract

Recent evidence has suggested that the detection and treatment of hypertension can result in adverse psychological and behavioural consequences. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that these consequences may outweigh the gains in the case of mild hypertension where the benefit of treatment has not yet been established.

This paper reviews the literature to date regarding the behavioural and psychological changes which have occurred upon the detection and labelling of hypertension. In addition, an explanation is posed which may resolve some of the contradictory findings with regard to the phenomenon. Finally, a strategy to alleviate, or at least minimize, the deleterious labelling of individuals as “hypertensive” is proposed for testing in future experiments.

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Original articleLabelling in hypertension: A review of the behavioural and psychological consequences

Abstract

Clin Invest Med

Psychol Med

Psychos Med

Absenteeism from work among hypertensives. Newsletter of the Council on Epidemiology of the American Heart Association

Am Heart Assoc

Increased absenteeism from work after the detection and labelling of hypertensive patients

N Engl J Med

The public and high blood pressure. A Survey

DHEW Publication No. 74-356

Hypertension control at the worksite

J Occup Med

A study of the labelling phenomenon in school children with elevated blood pressure

Clin Invest Med

Longterm follow-up of absenteeism among working men following the detection and treatment of hypertension

Clin Invest Med

Labelling and absenteeism: the Massachusetts Mutual Experience

Clin Invest Med

Five year findings of the hypertension detection and follow-up program. I. Reduction in mortality of persons with high blood pressure

JAMA

Disability days associated with detection and treatment in a hypertension program

Am J Epid

Circulation

Alterations in health perception and lifestyle in created hypertensives

J Chron Dis

Absenteeism and psychological dysfunction after hypertensive screening

Clin Res

Effects of labelling on income, work and social function among hypertensive employees

J Chron Dis

The effect of high blood pressure awareness and treatment on emotional well-being

Clin Invest Med

Blood pressure awareness and psychological well-being in the Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Clin Invest Med

Original article
Labelling in hypertension: A review of the behavioural and psychological consequences