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.
Edworthy
Steven M
SM
Department of Rheumatology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. sedworth@ucalgary.ca
Dobkin
Patricia L
PL
Clarke
Ann E
AE
Da Costa
Deborah
D
Dritsa
Maria
M
Fortin
Paul R
PR
Barr
Susan
S
Ensworth
Stephanie
S
Esdaile
John M
JM
Beaulieu
André
A
Zummer
Michael
M
Senécal
Jean-Luc
JL
Goulet
Jean-Richard
JR
Choquette
Denis
D
Rich
Eric
E
Smith
Doug
D
Cividino
Alfred
A
Gladman
Dafna
D
Devins
Gerald M
GM
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