On the etiology of peptic ulcer

This paper advances the psychogenic theory of “peptic” ulcer. It claims that this disease is found only among susceptible individuals of the white race — usually the long thin type who are given to worry and nervous instability. These individuals with their fears and anxieties develop an imbalance of the vegetative nervous system. This results in a bombardment of stimuli to the lesser curvature of the stomach and duodenum producing vascular spasm, thrombosis, induration, ischemia, and finally necrosis and ulceration.