Lupus involves unpredictable symptom flares and potential changes in brain chemistry that may increase your risk of experiencing depression and anxiety.
Lupus is a chronic (long-term) autoimmune disease that affects your entire body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, arthritis, fever, and skin rashes. It may also cause
You may experience lupus flares, which are periods of time when the symptoms are more intense.
Managing the fluctuations of lupus can take a toll on mental health and potentially lead to depression. Here’s more about how lupus and depression are linked and how to seek help for both conditions.
Living with a chronic condition can be difficult, especially when the symptoms can flare unexpectedly and significantly affect your quality of life. Living with this uncertainty from day to day may contribute to depression.
Depression can range from
Biologically, lupus is an autoimmune disease involving excess inflammation and an overactive immune response. This means that your immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues throughout your body. Researchers suggest that these factors may change your brain chemistry, potentially leading to depression and other mood disorders.
Lupus may contribute to isolation because the symptoms can make it hard to enjoy activities you once loved. And isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and sadness, which may increase the risk of depression.
Finding support now
Lupus Foundation of America: Find a local support group for people living with lupus.
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate help if you’re having thoughts of suicide or need urgent support.
Yes. Treatment with corticosteroids may contribute to depression in people with lupus. These medications are a class of steroid hormones used to reduce inflammation and suppress your immune system. They mimic the effects of cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands.
Cortisol influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in your brain. Dysregulation of the HPA axis may result in mood changes, including depression. So, corticosteroid medications may cause depression as a side effect.
Is depression common with lupus?
Both depression and anxiety are common in people with lupus. A review of studies that included data from almost 11,000 people suggests that 30% of people with lupus experience depression.
No two people with lupus are the same. As a result, treatment for lupus and depression varies for each person, addressing their specific symptoms and treatment preferences.
Treatment may include:
- Medication: Medications such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help manage lupus symptoms and improve your quality of life
- Antidepressant medications: Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed to help manage depression.
- Therapy: Therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy may help you work through negative thought patterns and develop helpful coping strategies.
- Lifestyle strategies: If they apply to you, changes such as eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and stopping smoking may help manage lupus symptoms and support your overall health.
- Stress management: Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques may help reduce feelings of stress and promote emotional well-being.
It’s important to communicate with your doctor and other healthcare or mental health professionals during treatment so you can share what is or is not working for your mental and physical health.
Social support
Another key aspect of treating depression and lupus together is social support. Studies of people with lupus suggest a link between dissatisfaction with family relationships and depression. On the other hand, good social support can help protect against depression and improve a person’s overall mood.
If you don’t have enough social support, talk with your doctor. They may be able to direct you to local support groups or other resources.
Can you take antidepressants with lupus?
Antidepressants can be safe for people with lupus. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are considered a first-line treatment. Other classes of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants, may interact with lupus medications. Your doctor can help you find the medications that will work best for you.
Talk with your doctor if you have lupus and you’re experiencing symptoms of depression. While there’s no cure for lupus, managing your symptoms through treatment and lifestyle strategies can help reduce flares and improve your quality of life.
Your doctor can also suggest medications, therapy, and other methods for treating depression. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you’re not feeling like yourself.