Depression and systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review

Differences in assessment techniques appear to be the main explanation for the variability in findings and important methodological limitations are present in the available literature to definitively point to the prevalence of depression, type of depression and most prevalent symptoms. To date, the relationship between depression and SLE disease activity also appears controversial. Methodological limitations are present in the available literature and it would be necessary to develop evidence-based guidelines to improve the diagnosis of depression in SLE. Identification of SLE-specific biomarkers of depression also has high priority.