Can lupus cause anxiety attacks?

Psychological manifestations such as depression and anxiety are very common. Major depression is present in approximately 25% of lupus patients, and major anxiety in 37%. These presentations are often among the earliest symptoms to manifest in lupus.


How does lupus affect anxiety?

25% of lupus patients experience major depression and 37% have major anxiety, research shows. Pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of lupus can make it hard to work, socialize or do things you enjoy.

Can lupus flare be the cause of panic attacks?

In other cases, lupus attacks on the nervous system may cause inflammation that results in depression and anxiety. Regardless of the cause, depression, and anxiety are important complications to treat because studies show that other symptoms and outcomes get worse if mood disorders are ignored.


Does lupus make anxiety worse?

Research has shown that people with lupus often have higher rates of anxiety and depression than those without lupus. The good news is that there are treatments that can help. If you think you might have depression or anxiety, talk with your doctor and make a treatment plan.

How do you treat lupus and anxiety?

Aspirin Low doses of aspirin are often recommended for lupus patients who have antiphospholipid antibodies and may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Antidepressents Anti-depressant medications are used to treat depression and anxiety, present in almost half of all people who have lupus.


Living with Lupus



What autoimmune diseases cause anxiety?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is another autoimmune disease known to have neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, and psychosis with a prevalence of 21–95% of patients.

Does Xanax help lupus?

Oct. 16, 2002 -- A chemical related to anti-anxiety medications like Valium and Xanax has shown promise in treating lupus. The discovery could lead to safer and more effective new drugs for managing lupus and other autoimmune disorders.

What are the signs that lupus is getting worse?

The times when your symptoms get worse and you feel sick are called flares. Flares can come and go. You may have swelling and rashes one week and no symptoms the next.
...
How can I tell if a lupus flare is coming?
  • Feeling more tired.
  • Pain.
  • Rash.
  • Fever.
  • Stomach ache.
  • Severe headache.
  • Dizziness.


What are the most severe symptoms of lupus?

Lupus symptoms include: 1,2
  • Muscle and joint pain. You may experience pain and stiffness, with or without swelling. ...
  • Fever. A fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit affects many people with lupus. ...
  • Rashes. ...
  • Chest pain. ...
  • Hair loss. ...
  • Sun or light sensitivity. ...
  • Kidney problems. ...
  • Mouth sores.


Does lupus cause mental issues?

Lupus can directly affect thinking, mood, and personality. When it has these effects, it is called neuropsychiatric lupus. Symptoms of neuropsychiatric lupus include: Cognitive dysfunction: Refers to a variety of related experiences, including forgetfulness, worry, mistrust, and a general difficulty in thinking.

Can lupus cause nervous breakdown?

Lupus can also affect your nervous system and cause symptoms such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and confusion.


What are some uncommon symptoms of lupus?

6 Less Common Symptoms of Lupus
  • Psychological Symptoms. Depression and anxiety are common in lupus, but a rarer mental disorder is lupus psychosis. ...
  • Severe Headaches. ...
  • Nerve Complications. ...
  • Vertigo. ...
  • Mouth Problems. ...
  • Rashes and Skin Involvement.


Why does lupus cause anxiety and depression?

The most common cause is the emotional drain from the stress of coping with the complications of physical illness. Add to that economic, social, and workplace concerns. Moreover, various medications used to treat lupus—especially corticosteroids—may cause clinical depression.

How does a person with lupus act?

Common symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, sun sensitivity, painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. There is no one test for SLE. Usually, your doctor will ask you about your family and personal medical history and your symptoms.


What causes lupus to act up?

What can trigger a lupus flare? Emotional stress -- such as a divorce, death in the family, or other life complications -- and anything that causes physical stress to the body -- such as surgery, physical harm, pregnancy, or giving birth -- are examples of triggers that can set off lupus or bring about a lupus flare.

What happens when lupus flares up?

During a flare, some of the symptoms you already had get worse or brand-new symptoms appear. It could be a light rash that spreads or gets darker or mouth sores that suddenly show up. Many lupus flare symptoms can be painful and debilitating.

What organ does lupus affect the most?

Kidneys About one half of people with lupus experience kidney involvement, and the kidney has become the most extensively studied organ affected by lupus.


What is the end stage of lupus?

Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious complications of lupus. It occurs when SLE causes your immune system to attack your kidneys — specifically, the parts of your kidney that filter your blood for waste products. The kidneys play a vital part in your body's functioning.

When should someone with lupus go to the ER?

Seek medical care for lupus if you have rapid swelling of one of your extremities, a fever over 102 F, or acute abdominal pain or chest pain.

What is the number one symptom of lupus?

The most common lupus symptoms (which are the same for men and women) are: Extreme fatigue (feeling tired all the time) Pain or swelling in the joints. Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes.


How do you calm a lupus flare up?

Treating a lupus flare
  1. Rest and sleep. This might mean taking some time off of work or asking for help around the house. ...
  2. Focus on your mental health and stress levels. There are stress management resources out there to help.
  3. Lean on your support system. ...
  4. Take medications as directed.


What should you not do if you have lupus?

5 Things to Avoid if You Have Lupus
  1. (1) Sunlight. People with lupus should avoid the sun, since sunlight can cause rashes and flares. ...
  2. (2) Bactrim and Septra (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) Bactrim and Septra are antibiotics that contain sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. ...
  3. (3) Garlic. ...
  4. (4) Alfalfa Sprouts. ...
  5. (5) Echinacea.


What is the number one drug for lupus?

Prednisone is the most common steroid that doctors use to treat lupus. If you have liver problems, your doctor may recommend different steroids called prednisolone or methylprednisolone (Medrol®).


What medications can trigger lupus?

Some anti-inflammatory agents and antibiotics are on thielist, as well as so-called biologics used intravenously to treat rheumatic diseases. Most cases of drug-induced lupus have been associated with these three medications: procainamide (Pronestyl®) hydralazine (Apresoline®)

Where is the best place to be treated for lupus?

The general recommendation is to find a physician who is affiliated with a medical school—a university hospital, for example. They are generally regarded as very good places to go for the diagnosis and treatment of lupus.