How do certain conditions contribute to mental health, depression, and anxiety? It’s no secret that having a rare, chronic, or underserved condition can be isolating. But what are the actual effects? According to the Rheumatology Network, researchers recently sought to understand the relationship between lupus nephritis, anxiety, and depression. Altogether, 150 individuals enrolled in the study, which took place over a 3-year period from 2018-2021. Of these, one-third had lupus but no lupus nephritis; one-third had lupus nephritis; and one-third were healthy controls (meaning they did not have lupus). A majority of participants were female with a mean patient age of 46.3 years.

Researchers used a number of tests and frameworks, such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), to evaluate anxiety, depression, and other health impacts in trial participants. Findings from the study show that:

• The highest rates of anxiety were found in those with lupus nephritis, followed by those with lupus (without lupus nephritis). The control group had the lowest rate of anxiety. In fact, anxiety rates in those with lupus were over double that of the control group, and anxiety rates related to lupus nephritis were over triple that of the control group.
• Anxiety risk factors included proteinuria, alopecia, and age.
• Around half of those with lupus nephritis had depression, compared to 30% of those with lupus and just 10% of the control group.

The researchers believe that pain, discrimination, fears about treatment or death, barriers to care, and more could contribute to these rates of anxiety and depression. At the same time, the researchers note that the study didn’t evaluate the underlying development or developmental reasoning behind anxiety and depression, and also that it had a small sample size. While these findings do suggest that lupus nephritis can spur higher rates of anxiety and depression, more research is needed to determine whether an actual correlation exists.

Interested in learning more? Take a look at the study findings in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease. 

About Lupus Nephritis (LN)

Approximately 60% of all individuals with lupus will develop lupus nephritis, a complication from the disease. Lupus nephritis refers to a type of serious kidney inflammation which occurs when autoantibodies begin attacking the kidneys. As the inflammation worsens, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter out waste, causing a host of health issues. Those of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent are more likely to develop lupus nephritis. While lupus is more common in females than males, lupus nephritis is more common in males than females. Symptoms can (but do not always) include:

• Proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Dark or foamy urine
• Joint and muscle pain
• Fever with no known cause
• Unintended weight gain
• Increased need for urination at night
• Red butterfly-shaped rash which often appears on the face
• High blood pressure
• Swelling of the legs, feet, and ankles
• Kidney failure