Dr. Knight is “also involved in work surveying adolescent lupus patients and their parents, and talking to behavioral health providers who work with these families. All of them are telling us the diagnosis of lupus is a substantial psychological adjustment regardless of socioeconomic status, educational level or race. It is critical to get families involved early on so they feel empowered in adjusting to and managing this disease.”
In addition, Dr. Knight believes, “Strategies to increase mental health awareness and screening among adolescents with lupus [are] needed, and resources such as family therapy and peer support groups for adolescents and caregivers are some of the ways we can help families and patients. Because lupus involves flares and ups and downs, it’s a condition that requires ongoing attention to both the physical and mental aspects of the disease.”
Elizabeth Hofheinz, MPH, MEd, is a freelance medical editor and writer based in the greater New Orleans area.