A new study finds that experiences of discrimination are associated with worse patient-reported lupus-related symptoms and depressive symptoms among people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patient-reported disease activity such as pain, fatigue and depression was found to be related to discrimination. Furthermore, the study suggests that mental health helps explain how discrimination translates to higher overall disease burden for those with SLE.

The cross-sectional study analyzed data from 245 adults from a racially and ethnically diverse cohort, including Black, Hispanic, Asian and White individuals with SLE. Participants completed surveys measuring everyday discrimination, lupus disease activity, pain, fatigue and depression. Black participants reported the highest overall discrimination score, followed by Asian participants, compared to White individuals with SLE. Higher discrimination scores were associated with worse outcomes across all patient-reported measures, and these relationships were partially explained by symptoms of depression, indicating that mental health may play a role between discrimination and lupus symptoms.

Findings underscore the importance of addressing social disadvantages and discrimination and prioritizing mental health support among diverse populations living with lupus. Learn more about managing your mental health with lupus.

Read the study