The psyche and stomach ulcers.

Abstract

Research with gastric and duodenal ulcers is traced briefly. Psychosocial factors, such as age, culture, and sex, influence the incidence of ulcers. Recent research has discovered two sets of receptors in the stomach for pepsinogen I and II; new drugs which inhibit the secretion of stomach acid now can be used along with older drugs and diets which counteract the stomach acid. Psychologists can make an important contribution by assisting ulcer patients to respond to treatment and to avoid precipitating situations.