Lupus is a chronic disease that defies easy description. A diagnosis may not be made for a long time.

Diagnostic difficulties coupled with the serious, chronic nature of the disease present the patient, family, and the medical team with many challenges. For people with lupus, psychosocial issues can be a major part of living with this illness.

Health professionals need to be aware of these issues to achieve excellent, comprehensive care of people with lupus. Because lupus is a chronic disease of flares and remissions, each exacerbation of the disease can raise new issues of coping for the patient.

This chapter describes concerns typically raised by people with lupus and their families. Each of these concerns is an opportunity for the nurse or other health professional to provide education and to help people explore feelings and resolve problems.

• Seeking a Diagnosis
  
  
• After the Diagnosis
  
  
• Living with Lupus: Key Issues
  
  
• Living with Lupus: Developing Effective Coping skills
  
  
• Living with Lupus: A Brighter Tomorrow