Factors correlated with emotional instability in SLE outpatients

Eighty-four female outpatients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are able to live on their own were investigated. We statistically analyzed the relationship between emotional instability based on psychological tests (Cornell Medical Index), and physical, medical, and social factors based on both our clinical records and original questionnaires. The emotional instability was related to not “working,” an older “age at the time of SLE diagnosis,” being “anxious about the adverse effects of steroids,” or not “understanding the details of the disease and treatment at the time SLE treatment was started.” No relationship with previously experienced physical factors was observed. In addition, no relationship with disease activity was observed either. We identified the characteristic correlation between emotional instability and medical and social factors in this study. Paying close attention to these factors may thus be useful in both preventing the appearance of psychological problems and developing effective early treatment strategies.