Group psychotherapy reduces illness intrusiveness in systemic lupus erythematosus.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated whether brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy might reduce illness-induced interference with valued activities and interests (i.e., illness intrusiveness) among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to 3 life domains: (1) relationships and personal development (family relationships, other social relationships, self-expression), (2) intimacy (relationship with spouse, sex life), and/or (3) instrumental life (work, finances, active recreation).


METHODS
Women with SLE recruited from 9 rheumatology centers were randomly assigned to receive either usual care (n = 66) or a 12 week brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy followed by 3 monthly booster sessions (n = 58). Standard instruments assessed disease activity and damage, illness intrusiveness, and psychological distress at 4 measurement occasions: (1) pretreatment, (2) posttreatment, (3) 6 month followup, and (4) 12 month followup.


RESULTS
Analysis of covariance, controlling for disease activity and household income, indicated that women who received brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy experienced significant reductions in illness intrusiveness for 2 of 3 domains: (1) relationships and personal development and (2) intimacy. Benefits were evident at 6 and 12 month followups.


CONCLUSIONS
Brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy facilitates adaptation to SLE by assisting women in reducing illness-induced disruptions into important domains of life experience.
Department of Rheumatology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. sedworth@ucalgary.ca
Steven M
SM
Edworthy
Patricia L
PL
Dobkin
Ann E
AE
Clarke
Deborah
D
Da Costa
Maria
M
Dritsa
Paul R
PR
Fortin
Susan
S
Barr
Stephanie
S
Ensworth
John M
JM
Esdaile
André
A
Beaulieu
Michael
M
Zummer
Jean-Luc
JL
Senécal
Jean-Richard
JR
Goulet
Denis
D
Choquette
Eric
E
Rich
Doug
D
Smith
Alfred
A
Cividino
Dafna
D
Gladman
Gerald M
GM
Devins
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011788:Quality of Life; D012919:Social Behavior