In an article published in TIME, experts addressed the potential of complementary therapies as part of a comprehensive care strategy in patients with lupus. The disease has been known to take a toll on patients’ psychological and social well-being, leaving them with feelings of stress and a lack of control that may not be effectively treated with drugs. The experts revealed that complementary therapies such as meditation, mindfulness, relaxation training, and biofeedback have been shown to help patients manage symptoms like pain, stress, and fatigue that may coincide with lupus flare-ups. Previous studies have demonstrated that a stress-related enzyme may be linked to autonomic nervous system activity. However, patients who practiced mindfulness-based interventions experienced reduced sympathetic nervous system activity and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, as well as improved quality-of-life, anxiety, and depression scores. Further, biofeedback and muscle relaxation training allowing the patients to observe the physical manifestations of their stress—including increased muscle tension or heart rate—were able to help them to better manage their mood, pain, and physical and psychological function, as well as gain a sense of control over their lupus symptoms. The experts noted that aerobic exercise regimens and vitamin D supplements may reduce fatigue, and omega-3 supplements may alleviate inflammation. Researchers are currently assessing the immune benefits of other supplements such as herbal teas and cannabidiol in this patient population. Many institutions are also exploring the use of integrative care models to engage a multidisciplinary team of registered dietitians, physical therapists, and cognitive behavioral therapists in the routine care of patients with lupus. Although some physicians are dismissive of complementary therapies, the experts underscored that these alternative options may effectively mitigate disease and psychological symptoms for some patients. However, they warned that complementary therapies are not designed to replace pharmacologic interventions and should only be used in addition to standard medical care. “I think we have to understand the whole context of the [patient] and their need to manage the ups and downs of the disease. If [complementary therapy] can bring a [patient] a little more sense of control or agency, that’s huge,” concluded Carol Greco, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
February 01, 2024