[Psychologic correlates in peptic ulcer].

Psychological correlates of peptic ulcer were assessed in a group of volunteer patients whose ulcers were identified by endoscopy. Logistic regression analysis and "t" test indicates that the peptic ulcer patients studied had higher "neuroticism" scores on EPQ, more life events experienced in the year previous to the investigation (on the revised Holmes' Social Readjustment Rating Scale), more severe symptoms on SCL-90, and lower social support scores on the Social Support Rating Scale than matched controls. The most frequently reported SCL-90 symptoms were anxiety, depression, somatization and obsession. The relationship between the occurrence of peptic ulcer and the characteristics of personality, life events, social support and psychological health level is discussed.