Labeling of Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

To the Editor: In 1978 we reported increased absenteeism and decreased psychological well-being after the labeling of hypertensive patients who were previously unaware of their disorder.¹ Although the majority of subsequent investigations into labeling in hypertension have led to similar conclusions,^{2 , 3} a minority have not.^{4 , 5} Moreover, the suggestion that labeling may be harmful is criticized by some advocates of hypertension-screening programs, and debates on this topic have become heated.We believe that we have identified the reason for the disparity in study findings. The key lies in the observation that the sharpest rises in absenteeism and the largest declines in . . .