Undiagnosed Depression and Its Effects on Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease impacting multiple organs.
• SLE significantly affects patients' mental health, often leading to depression and anxiety.
• Undiagnosed depression is a concern in SLE patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed depression among SLE patients.
• To investigate the relationship between SLE disease activity and depression.
• To assess the impact of SLE on patients' mental well-being.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at Fatima Memorial Hospital.
• Patients diagnosed with SLE (2012 SLICC criteria) were surveyed.
• Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) scale; SLE activity was also measured. Statistical analyses included chi-square, Fisher's exact, and student's t-tests.

Main Results:

• 20% of SLE patients had mild depression, while 37.5% had moderate and 37.5% had severe depression.
• A strong positive correlation (R²=0.634, p=0.01) was observed between SLE disease severity and depression.
• The correlation between disease activity and depression intensity was statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• Depression is a significant issue for individuals with SLE.
• Increased SLE disease activity is strongly associated with higher depression levels.
• Integrated care addressing both physical and mental health is crucial for SLE patients.