Prednisone Linked to Poor Emotional Health in People with Low Lupus Disease Activity

New research from Japan finds that even people with low lupus disease activity who are treated with prednisone, even at low doses, suffer from poor emotional health. And, emotional health worsened at higher daily doses of the medication.

The study assessed the emotional health of 192 people with low lupus disease activity and a history of taking 7.5 mg or less of prednisone or equivalent glucocorticoid per day. Emotional health was determined based on participants’ responses to survey questions asking about anxiety, depression and different worries about the future.

The results showed a significant association between the glucocorticoid dose and poorer emotional health. For those taking no prednisone, emotional health scores were high, with a median score of 90 on a 100-point scale, indicating good overall emotional well-being. Even a modest increase in prednisone (between zero and 2.5 mg per day) resulted in lower scores. The lowest emotional health scores were found in the group taking five to 7.5 mg daily.

Previous studies have found medium to high glucocorticoid doses are associated with poor emotional health outcomes. The latest data suggest the lower the glucocorticoid dose, the better for a person’s emotional health. Consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication.

Learn about lupus and depression: know the signs and how to get help.

Read the study