Preliminary results of a differentiated emotion-stimulating interview in patients with essential hypertension as compared with inpatients of a psychosomatic unit and normal controls

Background: The question of psychophysiologic reaction specificity is still controversial. Methods: Blood pressure and heart rate were measured for different emotional effects induced during a semistandardized interview. Results: Generally, a stronger increase in blood pressure was observed in hypertensive patients than in inpatients of a psychosomatic unit and normal controls. Differences related to various phases of the stress interview (regarding feelings of aggression, rage and anger, professional situation) were statistically significant as compared to controls, not only in hypertensives but also in the inpatients of a psychosomatic unit. Conclusions: The results are discussed with respect to the specificity theory of Alexander.