Research methods for investigating causal relations between SLE disease variables and psychiatric symptomatology.
People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently experience psychiatric problems. Some researchers and clinicians presume that these psychiatric problems are a direct manifestation of the disease, while others suggest that psychosocial and environmental factors have greater etiological significance. The majority of the studies addressing these issues in patients with SLE are too methodologically limited to make confident conclusions regarding etiology. More methodologically sound research in this area is needed. This article describes some of the limitations in past research in the areas of sampling, measurement, research design, data analyses and data presentation. Suggestions for improved methodology in future research are offered.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190, USA.
G L
GL
Iverson
K W
KW
Anderson
L M
LM
McCracken
D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012107:Research Design