A cross-sectional, observational study involving 975 Japanese individuals who underwent a health checkup, has found that people with atrophic gastritis had a significantly higher risk of experiencing psychological distress or depressed mood.
Interestingly, the risk was higher in females under 50 years old, regardless of H. pylori infection status.
Although the mechanism remains to be elucidated, the researchers suggest there is a possibility that nutritional status, neuroendocrinologic factors, and/or socioeconomic factors are involved. However, further studies are necessary to reveal the precise underlying mechanisms.
Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1111/hel.12445
Reference
Takeoka A, Tayama J, Kobayashi M, et al. Psychological effects of Helicobacter pylori-associated atrophic gastritis in patients under 50 years: A cross-sectional study. Helicobacter. 2017; 22:e12445