I have issues with anxiety and mental confusion all the time. I'm forgetful too, but I really don't know how much of it is due to lupus and how much is due to PTSD. I've had a very difficult life.

My online research and the books I've read on lupus all point to the fact that some lupus patients have serious mental health issues due to the neurological dysfunction that affects some patients. When I'm in a flare, my mental confusion is much worse...and it clears somewhat if I exercise. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain.

I agree, things could be much worse...and I know because I had a psychotic break years ago. It took me a very long time to get past the nightmares and all the rest of the aftermath.

I think many of us suffer from anxiety and that magnifies everything. I strongly recommend what has helped me...get some exercise every day and try to find things to occupy yourself so you don't stew over all the things that are going haywire in your body.

I would be lost without my gardening, which I do in the early morning to avoid the midday sun. A regular routine helps too, I cling to mine like it's a life-raft.

Thanks for your input, guys. I have a very hard time believing it could be worse. I've never in life have been at the point that I'm at now. I've been suffering from a diminished mental state for 5 years - due in part to lupus fog or whatever the hell is causing the fog, and depression/anxiety/panic disorder. I'm in such mental anguish that it physically hurts! I have an exhaustive mental health history and at age 33 I'm on disability because of it.

I have such a hard time functioning day to day and the thing that sucks the most is that I "present well" - according to the doctors. Because I'm intelligent and sound articulate, they are having a hard time treating me and I still have yet to be put on something that will clear up this brain fog. They've put me on meds for the depression and anxiety, that's it. My lupus is in remission at this time and all of my bloodwork is fine so the rheumy doesn't think it's associated with lupus (I beg to differ but whatever).

I've been to a neuro, a neuropsych (he diagnosed me with stress related pseudo dementia). I've been diagnosed with MDD, GAD PD, PTSD, Depersonalization - all kinds of stuff and the doctors don't even agree!!!! One says one thing and another says something completely different!!!!!!!!

Thank you guys for the suggestions. I'm trying to hang in there but I feel like I'm losing a little more of myself each day. I'm at a loss.

Need more input, guys. Please...

Yes. I have virtually ALL of these symptoms:

http://www.lupusinternational.com/About-Lupus-1-1/Central-Nervous-System-Lupus-Overview-/Central-Nervous-System-Lupus-CNS-.aspx

More info:
http://www.dana.org/news/brainhealth/detail.aspx?id=9888

If you have this (which is more common than you might think) make sure you have a competent doctor. I know someone who had brain surgery because of a mis-diagnosis and did not make it....when in fact, the person had CNS manifestations of Lupus.

The good news is: the treatment is pretty much the same.

One other thing: Have your thyroid tested to rule out thyroid problems which are also common in Lupus patients.

Oh...and stay away form shrinks and neuro's - they are USELESS.

OMG!!! So helpful! Thank you so much! Thank you to everyone who replied! I appreciate your support more than you know!

I know exactly how you feel. Recently my doctor mentioned to me lupus cerebritis - inflammation of the brain. He referred me to a neurologist. Whatever it is I'm just hoping somebody can give me something to make it go away. Its been constant for 5 years now and I'm kinda tired of it.