London, United Kingdom – Researchers from the University of Cambridge and King’s College London have discovered a potential link between an increase in nightmares and hallucinations, known as ‘daymares,’ and the early stages of autoimmune diseases like lupus. The findings of their study, published in the eClinicalMedicine journal, shed light on how these symptoms may serve as early warning signs for autoimmune disease flare-ups.
The study, which involved surveying and interviewing hundreds of patients and clinicians, revealed that these symptoms often precede disease flares. Recognizing these early warning signs could lead to improved patient care and prevention of severe flare-ups through timely intervention.
Participants in the study were asked about the timing of various neurological and mental health symptoms, such as depression, hallucinations, and loss of balance. Interestingly, disrupted dream sleep was a common symptom reported, with some individuals experiencing this symptom more than a year before the onset of lupus.
Lead author Melanie Sloan, PhD, DPH, highlighted the importance of recognizing these neuropsychiatric symptoms as potential early warning signs of autoimmune disease flare-ups. She emphasized the need for patients and doctors to work together to identify patterns of symptoms that could indicate a flare-up, leading to earlier detection and treatment.
The study also found that referring to hallucinations as ‘daymares’ helped patients better understand and discuss their experiences, reducing stigma and fear. This shift in language could encourage patients to report these symptoms to their doctors, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Guy Leschziner, PhD, a neurologist and study author, pointed out the unknown mechanisms by which nightmares may be precipitated by lupus flare-ups. Speculatively, inflammation or infection in the body may give rise to nightmares, impacting REM sleep and brain function.
James Giordano, PhD, a professor of neurology and biochemistry, highlighted the importance of identifying psychiatric signs and symptoms in advance of autoimmune disease flare-ups for early diagnosis and prognosis. He emphasized the need for medical and societal understanding to encourage patients to report these symptoms and seek appropriate care.
Overall, the study’s findings suggest that neuropsychiatric symptoms could be early indicators of autoimmune diseases beyond lupus, underscoring the need for further research and awareness in this under-researched area. Improved understanding and recognition of these symptoms could lead to better outcomes for patients with autoimmune conditions.