Listening to Lupus Patients and Families: Fine Tuning the Assessment

Abstract

Given the chronicity and uncertainty of lupus, patients and their family members will face physical, financial, social, and emotional challenges that can be overwhelming. This article records the experiences of three different families affected by lupus. Although these patients and families are very different, their perspectives identify common emotional challenges. Understanding these experiences from their perspectives can help facilitate an assessment that is highly attuned to the potential psychosocial impact of lupus on the patient and the family.

Keywords:

• lupus
• psychosocial
• family and illness
• coping and adaptation

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the contributions of the three families who generously shared their stories, and the assistance of Karen White, MSW.