Efficacy of psychological interventions to reduce anxiety and depression in patients with lupus. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The presence of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with lupus is common, and some research reports that psychological interventions can reduce them, therefore we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of psychological interventions in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials with adult population diagnosed with lupus, treated with psychological intervention, and compared with similar groups were selected. Several databases were searched in July 2023. Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with moderate effect sizes for anxiety and depression in group intervention modalities. Factors such as percentage of sample with lupus, gender, medication, and interventions with relaxation components influenced the results. Group psychological intervention programs are effective in reducing symptoms in patients with lupus, although further research on treatment modulating variables is needed.