One-Year Outcomes for Depression and Anxiety in SLE Patients

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE) is a severe form of SLE involving the nervous system, resulting in neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Although research has shown that SLE patients often suffer from cognitive impairments, depression, and anxiety, there are no specialized guidelines for psychiatric assessment and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the progression of neuropsychiatric symptoms in SLE patients, explicitly focusing on anxiety and depression, over a year. It also aimed to identify potential biomarkers linked to NPSLE and explore the connection between NPSLE and the overall progression of SLE. Our research involved a longitudinal study with 65 adults diagnosed with SLE. Participants underwent various physical, biochemical, and serological tests and were assessed using disease activity indexes like BILAG-2004 and SLEDAI-2K. Participants also underwent psychological assessments using the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scales. The study did not find any significant impact of antidepressant therapy on the evolution of anxiety and depression among participants. However, medications like Methotrexate and Plaquenil showed a substantial reduction in these symptoms. Moreover, anxiolytic therapy seems to influence depression in SLE patients. The study also noted that anxiety levels tend to increase over time but are not directly associated with SLE activity. This study concludes that although specific SLE medications can affect the level of anxiety and depression, the overall effectiveness of neuropsychiatric therapy in managing these symptoms is limited. The findings suggest that further research into the tailored management of NPSLE symptoms and a deeper understanding of the disease’s psychiatric aspects are needed.