PRELIMINARY-RESULTS OF A DIFFERENTIATED EMOTION-STIMULATING INTERVIEWIN 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 measu red for different emotional effects induced during a semistandardized interview. Results: Generally, a stronger increase in blood pressure w as observed in hypertensive patients than in inpatients of a psychosom atic unit and normal controls. Differences related to various phases o f the stress interview (regarding feelings of aggression, rage and ang er, 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 resp ect to the specificity theory of Alexander.