Personality factors in chronic gastric and duodenal ulcers: a controlled study.

The personality profiles, as evaluated with Cattell's 16 personality factors test (16 PF), were compared in 25 subjects with gastric ulcer, 25 with duodenal ulcer and 25 healthy controls. Subjects were matched for sex, age, education, geographical area of living and duration of illness (only for patients). The profiles of the gastric and duodenal ulcer patients were substantially similar and characterized by greater anxiety, dependence, introversion, low ego strength and greater adaptability as compared to the controls. Patients with gastric ulcer, however, seemed to be slightly more disturbed than those with duodenal ulcer.