[Prevalence of psychiatric disturbances and psychopathologic status in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric disorders are commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Some authors consider that these disorders can be associated with cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to establish the particular prevalence of psychiatric disorders in these patients and to investigate the relationship between psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, life quality, psychological status and adjustment to illness.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study is reported of 46 spanish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) attending the outpatients clinics of the Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Departments at a University Hospital. The following instruments were used: a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, the Nottingham Health Profile, the Symptom Check-List 90-Revised, the Psychological Adjustment to Illness Scale and the Integrated Program of Neuropsychological Assessment Test-Barcelona.

RESULTS

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders at interview was 33%. The most common diagnoses were affective disorders and psycho-organic syndrome. Affective disorders were associated with a poorer life quality, number of hospitalizations and psychiatric background. Adjustment to illness accounted for the psychologic status of the patients.