Labs are normal in steroid-induced psychiatric reactions but will show increased inflammation in primary CNS lupus flares. Psychosis and delirium are more common than mood disorders and cognitive impairment in patients with active primary CNS lupus flare. In corticosteroid-induced psychiatric reaction, mood disorders (mania, mixed states, depression with psychotic features) are more common than psychosis and delirium. In active primary CNS lupus, SLE symptoms often coincide with (not precede) onset of psychiatric symptoms).

Publication reference : Levenson, J. Textbook of Psychosomatic Medicine and C-L Psychiatry, Third Edition. Chapter on Rheumatology. pg- 697(table).