Prevalence and severity of depression among Iraqi patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A descriptive study

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have high risk for depression which is a potentially life-threatening disorder. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and severity of depression in a sample of Iraqi patients with SLE if present. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 60 patients with SLE diagnosed according to revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria. Demographics and clinical data were collected. All patients were screened for depression by using the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-5 (DSM5) diagnostic criteria of depression. Severity of their depression was determined by using the Beck Depression Inventory criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression was 31.7%. A severe form of depression was observed in 13.3% of SLE cases, moderate depression in 10%, and a mild degree of depression was 8.3% of the cases. Patients with high SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI score >12) had an obviously higher rate of depression (40%) compared to 20% among those with mild or moderate disease. There was no important or statistically significant difference in median SLEDAI score between depression severity categories (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of depression in SLE patients was relatively high. SLE disease activity increase depression rate.