Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of cognitive deficits in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients SLE

Introduction Significant number of systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients have cognitive impairment and depression, which may or may not be part of Neuropsychiatric SLE. They may be clinical or subclinical, and their prevalence varies according to the tool used. Current literature on its prevalence lacks clarity, especially in the Indian community.

Material and Method: It is a Cross-sectional study. All SLE patients (SLICC criteria) attending the outpatient clinic were evaluated with Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and Mini-mental state examination (MMSE).

Results: 250 patients of SLE attending an OPD clinic of a tertiary care hospital were evaluated. Based on Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), 89.6% of patients were depressed to some extent. Depression was mild in 43% of patients, moderate in 32.6 %, and severe in 14.8%. Based on mini-mental status examination scores, some cognitive impairment was found in 21.6 % of patients. Cognitive impairment was mild in 18.8% and moderate in 2.8 %, while none had severe.

Conclusion: Some amount of depression is found in almost every SLE patient, and about half have moderate to severe depression that may require treatment. One-fifth of SLE patients may have a cognitive impairment, and widespread use of diagnostic tools may help in early recognition.