Risk factors for depression in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Linling Zhu1,2, Jinju Chen2, Yaping Sha2
1School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Medicine
|March 9, 2026
Summary
Depression is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Key risk factors include economic hardship, high-dose glucocorticoids, and higher disease activity, informing targeted interventions for SLE patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology and Psychiatry
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) research
- Mental Health in Chronic Illness
Background:
- Depression is highly prevalent in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
- Depression in SLE is linked to adverse clinical outcomes.
- Inconsistent evidence on risk factors hinders early identification and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze risk factors for depression in adult SLE patients.
- To identify significant clinical, demographic, and psychosocial predictors of depression in SLE.
- To inform targeted interventions and improve patient care.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines.
- Searched eight databases from inception to May 2024 for observational studies.
- Evaluated study quality using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or AHRQ criteria; pooled data using random-effects models.
Main Results:
- Included 26 studies with 8,960 SLE patients.
- Identified significant risk factors: economic hardship, high-dose glucocorticoids, higher disease activity, unemployment, lower education, comorbidities, smoking, and fatigue.
- Younger age was also associated with increased depression risk.
Conclusions:
- Key clinical, demographic, and psychosocial risk factors for depression in SLE have been identified.
- Findings advocate for integrating routine depression screening into holistic patient assessments.
- Recommendations support enhanced care models, particularly nursing-led approaches, for SLE patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Long-term Depression
27.3K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
27.3K
01:03Long-term Depression
2.6K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
2.6K
01:18Depression: Overview
1.2K
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
1.2K
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
1.3K
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
1.3K
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
977
Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
977
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
884
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
884