Debt does not just cause financial difficulty - it also affects people's health in a negative way, according to new research.

Findings from an Associated Press (AP)-AOL Health poll indicate that 44 percent of those reporting high levels of debt stress suffered from migraines and headaches.

This figure compares to the suggestion that 15 percent of the US population who consider themselves to be financially healthy are affected by the same ailments.

AP and AOL also found that 27 percent of people stressed out by their money situation had ulcers, compared to eight percent of Americans who are not overly concerned by their finances.

Citizens in debt are also more likely to have heart attacks, severe depression or anxiety than those not in economic dire straights, according to the poll.

Department of Labor statistics released last week also portrayed a negative image of the US economy. The figures indicated that unemployment in the US is now at its highest rate since October 2004.

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