RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Group psychotherapy reduces illness intrusiveness in systemic lupus erythematosus.
JF The Journal of Rheumatology
JO J Rheumatol
FD The Journal of Rheumatology
SP 1011
OP 1016
VO 30
IS 5
A1 Steven M Edworthy
A1 Patricia L Dobkin
A1 Ann E Clarke
A1 Deborah Da Costa
A1 Maria Dritsa
A1 Paul R Fortin
A1 Susan Barr
A1 Stephanie Ensworth
A1 John M Esdaile
A1 André Beaulieu
A1 Michael Zummer
A1 Jean-Luc Senécal
A1 Jean-Richard Goulet
A1 Denis Choquette
A1 Eric Rich
A1 Doug Smith
A1 Alfred Cividino
A1 Dafna Gladman
A1 Gerald M Devins
YR 2003
UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/30/5/1011.abstract
AB OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy might reduce illness-induced interference with valued activities and interests (i.e., illness intrusiveness) among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to 3 life domains: (1) relationships and personal development (family relationships, other social relationships, self-expression), (2) intimacy (relationship with spouse, sex life), and/or (3) instrumental life (work, finances, active recreation). METHODS: Women with SLE recruited from 9 rheumatology centers were randomly assigned to receive either usual care (n = 66) or a 12 week brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy followed by 3 monthly booster sessions (n = 58). Standard instruments assessed disease activity and damage, illness intrusiveness, and psychological distress at 4 measurement occasions: (1) pretreatment, (2) posttreatment, (3) 6 month followup, and (4) 12 month followup. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance, controlling for disease activity and household income, indicated that women who received brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy experienced significant reductions in illness intrusiveness for 2 of 3 domains: (1) relationships and personal development and (2) intimacy. Benefits were evident at 6 and 12 month followups. CONCLUSION: Brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy facilitates adaptation to SLE by assisting women in reducing illness-induced disruptions into important domains of life experience.