[Systemic autoimmune diseases and depressive disorders].

INTRODUCTION The incidence of depression accompanying medical pathologies is elevated and have prognostic importance. OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of depression in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD), as well as to determine the frequency of pain, fatigue and sleep disorders in these patients and their relation with depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a descriptive, prospective study on 88 patients with AID. The CES-D depression questionnaire, FSS fatigue questionnaire and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index were administered. RESULTS 69% (n=61) of patients were depressed. Pain was found in 97% (59/61) of depressed patients and in 62% (17/27) of non-depressed patients (P=.0006). Sleep disorders were found in 95% of depressed patients, whereas 60% of non-depressed patients presented them (P=.00008). Depression was associated with fatigue: 80% (49/61) for depressed and 44% for non-depressed (p=0,001) persons. DISCUSSION A very elevated prevalence of depression was found in SAD: 69%; constituting the most frequent comorbidity. Depression was significantly associated with pain, fatigue and sleep disorders.