gastroduodenal ulceration

ulceration of the mucosa lining of the stomach and duodenum caused by hydrochloric acid and the digestive enzyme pepsin, which are secreted by the stomach. Although in some cases gastroduodenal ulceration is due to secretion of excess acid, in many others secretion is normal but the mucosa is more susceptible to the acid’s effects. Factors implicated in this increased susceptibility include infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria and long-term use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen); there may also be a familial or genetic factor. Gastric (stomach) ulcers tend to develop later in life and are less likely to be associated with increased acid secretion than are duodenal ulcers. See also dyspepsia; ulcer.

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

object constancy

1. in object relations theory, the ability of an infant to maintain an attachment that is relatively independent of gratification or frustration, based on a cognitive capacity to conceive of a mother who exists when she is out of sight and who has positive attributes when she is unsatisfying. Thus, an infant becomes attached to the mother herself rather than to her tension-reducing ministrations; she comes to exist continuously for the infant and not only during instances of need satisfaction. This investment by an infant in a specific libidinal object indicates that he or she no longer finds people to be interchangeable.

2. see perceptual constancy.