We investigated psychiatric morbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, in a hospital-based study. Thirty patients (23 consecutive out-patients and seven unselected in-patients) were prospectively assessed by a multidisciplinary team for the presence of psychiatric disorders and disease activity. Psychiatric assessment was done with structured interviews. Demographic information was recorded in a structured proforma; all the patients completed the Presumptive Stressful Life Event Scale. A close relative was interviewed in every case. Patients who had psychiatric disorders were compared with the rest with respect to demographic variables, lupus disease activity, use of steroids, and stressful life events. We found a 50% prevalence of psychiatric disorders. The patients with psychiatric disorders were similar to those who had no psychopathology with respect to age, sex, duration of illness, lupus activity and the use of steroids. However, they had experienced more stressful life events in the last year.

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