The psychological effects of systemic lupus erythematosus: the imitator of aging

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the psychological effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including perception of aging, in a cohort of participants who were either diagnosed with SLE or had an affected family member. Methods: Over a period of 1 year, we conducted once-monthly face-to-face interviews with 12 participants. The participants were from 4 related families and include 7 females and 5 males. Three participants had a confirmed diagnosis of SLE. Spouses were also included in this study to assess transitivity of the psychological signs of SLE. Responses to structured interview questions were analyzed to assess the perception of aging. Results: The major complaints in participants diagnosed with SLE were pain and psychological stress. Nephrotic syndrome, urinary tract infection, weight disorders and increased need for psychosocial support were common in the participants’ medical history. Qualitative analysis of questionnaires completed by participants with SLE revealed a correlation of “feeling old” with the non-resolution of health complaints. Family members who did not have SLE also reported “feeling old”. Complaints of stress, anxiety, nervousness and lack of enjoyment of life were common in those who were diagnosed with SLE, as well as those who were not. All spouses reported experiencing digestive disorders, hemorrhoids as well as various phobias, regardless of whether their partners had a confirmed SLE diagnosis. Conclusions: In this study, we found that participants with SLE or those who had a close family member with SLE displayed psychological signs of aging. All participants had a predisposition to anxiety, while spouses developed various phobias. Statement of novelty: We show that individuals with SLE and close family members have an increased self-perception of aging.