Rôle of psychosomatic factors in peptic ulcer disease.
Evidence indicates that a link between peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and selected psychosomatic factors may exist. A series of 70 consecutive male and female adult patients were categorized by peptic symptoms and divided into four groups: a) controls; b) gastric ulcer (GU); c) duodenal ulcer (DU); and d) chronic non-ulcer dyspepsia (CNUD). All patients were interviewed and asked to answer a questionnaire that included demographics, medical history and the incidence of negative life events. A decreased level of activity was a predominant finding in GU, DU and CNUD patients. Family history of PUD may be correlated with CNUD. Of interest was the finding that DU and CNUD patients presented a higher incidence of negative life events when compared to the other study groups. Negative life events that produce considerable stress may predispose to peptic symptoms in certain patients.
Hernandez
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DE
Department of Medicine, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California School of Medicine 90033.
Arandia
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Dehesa
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D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000523:psychology*; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*