Peptic ulcer disease and mental illnesses

Objective: We evaluated the association between self-reported doctor-diagnosed peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and mental disorders in a representative cross-sectional study conducted in 2010 in Singapore.

Method: The sample comprised 6616 community-dwelling individuals. Participants were asked about a previous history of doctor-diagnosed PUD. Assessment of mental disorders was performed using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0. Quality of life was assessed using the EuroQoL 5D.

Results: The weighted prevalence of PUD was 1.58% (95% CI=1.13-2.02). In adjusted analyses, PUD was more common among people with anxiety disorders [obsessive compulsive disorders (OR 4.22, 95% CI 1.59-11.21), Generalized Anxiety Disorders (OR 9.25, 95% CI 2.43-35.17), any anxiety disorders (OR 4.41, 95% CI 1.82-10.61)] and with any mood disorders (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.08-6.53). PUD was associated with alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, but not with smoking or nicotine dependence. Adjustment for nicotine and alcohol use attenuated the association of mood disorders with PUD, but not that of anxiety disorders. PUD was associated with reduced quality of life as measured on EuroQoL 5D, with further reduction in those with concomitant mental disorders.

Conclusion: PUD was associated with anxiety disorders, and this association is not attenuated with adjustment for nicotine dependence or alcohol use disorder.