[Gastroduodenal ulcer and psychology].

Ulcers do not necessarily and uniquely constitute a psychogenic disease. Life events may play a role in certain subjects but their occurrence is neither necessary (absence in numerous ulcerous patients) nor sufficient (presence in controls) for triggering ulcerous development. While the actual experiences involved are important, there is no personality type linked to development of ulcers. Some specialists call attention to a tendency to react to conflicts according to a particular pattern (dependence-independence, passivity-hyperactivity); others refer to various modes of personality breakdown ot to the accentuation of certain personality traits. At the present time there is no satisfactory explanation of the mechanism governing the links between psychological disturbances and gastroduodenal anatomical lesions. The role of psychotherapy in the treatment of ulcers is poorly understood.