It is important to point out that most families have similar needs and concerns and confront common demands and problems throughout the child's life. It is important to remember that these are normal effects of chronic illness on family life. Another helpful resource for parents are support groups. As SLE is a condition that is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 15 and 45, the effect on adolescents is an important consideration. The first task of adolescence is to develop independence from parents.
Peers become their important focus and approval of the peer group is the major goal.
There is something of a seesaw relationship between adolescents and their parents as each group tries to maintain or gain control. Into this picture comes a condition such as SLE with its symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, fever and swollen glands, butterfly rash, photosensitivity and involvement of various organs. These may be treated by occasional hospitalizations which limits peer contact, and by steroids which will probably result in facial and body changes. As with their parents reactions, these are normal. It may take a little while to accept the situation, but it will happen.