Recent research conducted by the University of Cambridge and King’s College London reveals a concerning reality about mental health in autoimmune disease patients. Although over 50% of patients with autoimmune disorders, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction, these symptoms are frequently underreported in clinical settings. This study, published in the journal Rheumatology, surveyed 1,853 patients and 289 clinicians and found a significant discrepancy between patient-reported symptoms and clinician estimates.
For instance, three times as many lupus patients reported suicidal thoughts compared to clinician estimates (47% versus 15%). The study indicates a pressing need for healthcare providers to routinely inquire about mental well-being and for patients to feel comfortable sharing their mental health concerns with clinicians. Despite the far-reaching impact of these symptoms on patients’ lives, they are often under-elicited in clinics, under-identified in research, and under-represented in clinical guidelines.
The research team calls for greater interdisciplinary collaboration and support systems to ensure patients receive the care and understanding they need. Sarah Campbell, Chief Executive of the British Society for Rheumatology, emphasized the need for improved mental health support in rheumatology departments. With nearly half of lupus patients experiencing suicidal thoughts, there is a clear urgency to address the mental health burden faced by autoimmune disease patients.
