PP.10.03: PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS AND CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION IN ELDERLY. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Popescu, L.; Balan, H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hypertension. Volume 33(2015)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000468013.80800.ea
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5598

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Epidemiological evidence suggests increasing proportion of elderly people. One half/two thirds of old population have hypertension. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the coexistence of psychological disorders in elderly subjects with hypertension with poor therapeutic control. Design and method: 68 elderly patients (30 Males, 38 Females; mean age 72 ± 6 years) with uncontrolled hypertension were included in the study. They all went through psychiatric evaluation, using anxiety and depression scales. Benzodiazepines, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and supporting psychotherapy were provided to the patients with psychological disorders during 3 months. Hypertensives at first place diagnosed with psychological disorders were re-evaluated after 3 months of psychiatric therapy. Results: 42 elderly hypertensives (61.76%) suffered from psychological disorders. 11 patients (16.17%) suffered from generalized anxiety disorder with frequent anxiety attacks, phobias and visits to the emergency room. 17 elderly hypertensives (25.01%) had anxiety depression. 9 patients (13.23%) were diagnosed with simple anxiety disorder, and 5 patients (7.35%) with intense somatization disorder. After 3 months of psychiatric therapy blood pressure was controlled in 25 patients (42.64%). In the rest of elderly hypertensives there was a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (15 and 5 mmHg, respectively). Conclusions: Psychological evaluation in elderly uncontrolled hypertensives must be considered and treatment must be provided when necessary in order to achieve better blood pressure control.