Body Image Mediates the Impact of Pain on Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

    August 2019 in “ Lupus ”
    Shadi Gholizadeh, Desiree R. Azizoddin, Sarah D. Mills, Geraldine T. Zamora, Hi’ilani M. K. Potemra, Alanna E. Hirz, Daniel J. Wallace, Michael H. Weisman, Perry M. Nicassio
    TLDR Poor body image from pain can lead to more depression in lupus patients.
    The study examined whether body image-related quality of life mediated the relationship between pain and depressive symptoms in 135 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The sample was predominantly female (92.6%) with an average disease duration of 17 years. Results indicated that body image-related quality of life significantly mediated the impact of pain on depressive symptoms, accounting for 51% of the variance in depressive symptoms. This suggested that improving body image-related quality of life could potentially alleviate depressive symptoms in SLE patients experiencing pain.
    Discuss this study in the Community →