A Rare Neuropsychiatric Manifestation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus- A Case Report

A 17-year-old female who was recently diagnosed with SLE and taking medication for the same had developed symptoms of depression and nihilistic delusion post-initiation of treatment and hence steroids were discontinued after consultation with a local doctor.She was brought to psychiatry emergency in catatonia after a duration of 2 weeks of stopping steroids.On examination patient had immobility, staring look, posturing, rigidity, negativism.With Routine investigations, organic causes of catatonia were ruled out.Cyclophosphamide, prednisolone, lorazepam along with low dose antipsychotic, antidepressant were started and significant improvement in patient was noted.Catatonia was completely resolved.It is extremely important to pick this rare neuropsychiatric presentation of SLE to promptly initiate treatment and benefit the patient and understand the role of steroid in managing such cases.