Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Social Isolation Model: A Noninvasive Rodent Model of Stress and Anxiety
Published on: November 11, 2022
A link between physician-diagnosed ulcer and anxiety disorders among adults
Renee D Goodwin1, Nicholas J Talley, Matthew Hotopf
1Department of Psychology, Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), Flushing, NY, USA. renee.goodwin@qc.cuny.edu
Purpose:
Previous studies have suggested an association between mood and anxiety disorders and peptic ulcer, yet extant work suffers from methodologic limitations. Centrally, previous epidemiologic studies have relied exclusively on self-report of ulcer. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between DSM-IV depression and anxiety disorders and physician-diagnosed ulcer among adults in the general population.
Methods:
Data were drawn from a population-based, representative sample of 4181 adults aged 18 to 79 in the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey.
Results:
Any anxiety disorder (odds ratio [OR], 2.6), panic disorder (OR, 5.2), panic attacks (OR, 3.8), and social phobia (OR, 3.3) were associated with increased likelihood of physician-diagnosed ulcer, compared with those without ulcer. There was evidence of a dose-response relationship between number of mental disorders and likelihood of current ulcer.
Conclusions:
These findings provide initial evidence of a link between anxiety disorders and physician-diagnosed ulcer among adults in the community. Future work, ideally taking into account Helicobacter pylori infection, stress, and mental health problems is needed to improve our understanding of the possible mechanisms that can provide insight into the etiology of peptic ulcers.
Related Concept Videos
Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.