title: Psychosocial dimensions of SLE: implications for the health care team.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this exploratory study was threefold, ie, to clarify the unique psychosocial challenges facing those living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), to distinguish which sociodemographic variables impact the lives of SLE patients, and generate knowledge regarding the way patients perceive SLE medication regimens.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a cross-sectional exploratory study in 378 patients diagnosed with SLE and receiving services from the SLE Lupus Foundation in New York City. In addition to sociodemographic variables, the instrument used consisted of two scales, ie, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Needs Questionnaire (SLENQ) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, as well as questions regarding subjective perceptions of side effects from SLE medication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The highest general cause of self-reported depressive and anxious feelings was changes in appearance due to SLE, and limitations in physical abilities due to SLE (primarily from muscle and joint pain). The higher the sense of control over SLE, the less likely respondents were to report feeling depressed and anxious. African-American and Hispanic SLE patients reported a higher level of unmet psychological needs due to SLE than did their other ethnic counterparts. Weight gain and hair loss were the most likely medication side effects and also the most likely causes of SLE-related depression and anxiety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Those living with SLE are at risk for feelings of depression and anxiety. African-American and Hispanic women are at higher risk for these emotional states. Comprehensive assessment across the disciplines should screen this group of patients for depression and anxiety, and be prepared to refer them to patient education and social work counseling as indicated.
authors: Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, New York;
authors: Nancy L
authors: NL
authors: Beckerman
authors: Charles
authors: C
authors: Auerbach
authors: Irene
authors: I
authors: Blanco
references: Arthritis Rheum. 2007 Mar 15;57(2):303-9
references: 17330287
references: Arthritis Care Res. 1998 Feb;11(1):23-31
references: 9534490
references: Arthritis Rheum. 2009 Jun 15;61(6):822-9
references: 19479699
references: N Engl J Med. 2008 Feb 28;358(9):929-39
references: 18305268
references: Psychiatry. 2010 Winter;73(4):329-40
references: 21198385
references: Lupus. 2011 Jan;20(1):58-66
references: 21078764
references: Lupus. 1995 Aug;4(4):272-9
references: 8528223
references: Health Educ Monogr. 1978 Spring;6(2):160-70
references: 689890
references: Lupus. 2004;13(12):891-9
references: 15645742
references: Qual Health Res. 2006 Sep;16(7):982-97
references: 16894227
references: Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Sep;29(9):991-7
references: 20532577
references: Depress Anxiety. 2009;26(6):575-82
references: 19242982
references: Lupus. 2006;15(10):662-70
references: 17120593
references: J Soc Work Disabil Rehabil. 2007;6(3):75-87
references: 17989036
references: Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2010 Feb;39(4):257-68
references: 19136143
references: J Allied Health. 2009 Summer;38(2):106-12
references: 19623792
references: N Engl J Med. 2003 Dec 18;349(25):2399-406
references: 14681505
references: Lupus. 2011 Jan;20(1):80-4
references: 20937622
references: J Rheumatol. 2001 Nov;28(11):2442-8
references: 11708416
references: Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2009 Mar;21(2):102-9
references: 19339919
references: Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2010 Jun;62(6):888-95
references: 20535800
references: Psychol Rep. 2002 Jun;90(3 Pt 2):1091-6
references: 12150389
references: J Consult Clin Psychol. 1992 Apr;60(2):240-3
references: 1592953
references: Lupus. 2006;15(10):633-43
references: 17120589
references: Lupus. 2008 Nov;17(11):971-6
references: 18852219
references: Behav Med. 2009 Spring;35(1):5-13
references: 19297299
references: Annu Rev Public Health. 2002;23:151-69
references: 11910059
references: Patient Educ Couns. 2005 Apr;57(1):30-8
references: 15797150