Personality characteristics in adolescents with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - (SLE) were investigated using the Rorschach Method and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale. The SLE Disease Activity Index was administered. In the Wechsler Intelligence Scale the mean IQ of the Experimental Group was significantly lower than that of the Control Group. In the Rorschach, lupus patients showed greater difficulty in interpersonal interactions and in self-esteem, although they displayed the resources to process affect and to cope with stressful situations. A positive moderate correlation between the activity index of the disease and the affect constriction proportion of the Rorschach was observed: the higher the SLEDAI score, the lower the capacity to process affect. The correlation between the activity index of the disease and IQ was positive: the higher the activity index of the disease, the lower the intellectual ability.
systemic lupus erythematosus; adolescents; Rorschach
