Study Finds Mental Health Conditions Common in People with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Link to Higher Acute Care Use

A new study of adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) found those with mental health diagnoses (depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) have much higher repeat emergency and hospital care use. For reasons that are not entirely understood, people with chronic disease often experience depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders. Day-to-day life with lupus can be challenging and can take a toll on mental health.  

Researchers examined records of 2,160 people with SLE participating in the All of Us Research Program (version 8). Of the group, 973 (45%) had depression, anxiety, or PTSD, while 1,187 did not. Over approximately three years of follow-up, people with SLE who had at least one mental health diagnosis had a 90% higher rate of emergency department visits and a 33% higher rate of hospitalizations compared to those without these diagnoses. The strongest link was for emergency visits that did not lead to hospitalization. When adjusting for sociodemographic factors alone, the differences were larger (118% higher for ED visits and 50% higher for hospitalizations). Additionally, accounting for other health conditions reduced these differences, but those with mental health disorders still had significantly more acute care use. Those with a mental health condition generally had lower income and education levels and were more likely to smoke or have other health conditions.

It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of this connection, as people who frequently use emergency and hospital services may be less likely to receive recommended long-term medications and preventive care. Targeted support is needed to reduce repeat acute care visits and related inequities. Future research should examine whether treating mental health conditions improves care patterns. Learn more about managing your mental health with lupus. 

Read the study