[Neuropsychiatric manifestations in an unselected group of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Iceland.].

Introduction: There has been substantial difference in the reported frequency of neuropsychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This difference can at least partly be explained by methodological difference, especially in case identification.

Material And Methods: A retrospective study in a group of 65 unselected SLE patients was performed. The study consisted of two parts: 1) a neuropsychiatric evaluation which included a review of the patient's charts and a neurological interview, 2) a structured psychiatric interview, i.e. the Diagnostic Interview Schedule.

Results: In part one 37 patients or 57% had positive findings, while in part two the number was 32 pa nottients or 49%. Overall, 46 patients or 71% had experienced one or more neuropsychiatric manifestations. The most prevalent manifestations in part one were headache and psychoses, and in part two simple phobia, agarophobia, social phobia and generalized anxiety. Approximately 25% of the patients were treated solely outside hospitals.

Conclusion: The unselected nature of this study gives a picture probably more representative of the true neuropsychiatric involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus than previous studies of selected patient populations.