IndexCauseSymptomsDiagnosisTreatments and resultsSummaryOpinionThe immune system protects our body from things like bacteria. Lupus disease attacks the immune system. Lupus is described as the development of harmful pathogens that damage tissue (Lee & Bae, 2010). When affected by Lupus, the immune system attacks the organs and itself. Many Americans are diagnosed with Lupus. Women and people of color are significantly more likely to get Lupus. Of those identified with Lupus, 90% are women. (Jewett-Tennant, 2019). Lupus statistics show how at risk women and other ethnic backgrounds are, especially that women of color are at high risk of being diagnosed with Lupus. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayCauseThe cause of Lupus is not known, but the scientific community believes that genetics may be a factor in Lupus. The author states: “The etiology of these ethnic disparities is the subject of ongoing debate, with the involvement of genetic and non-genetic factors” (Lanata, 2018). It has not yet been proven that a single gene causes Lupus; however, it appears to be passed down along with DNA. If Lupus runs in a family's genetic line, family members have a high chance of being diagnosed with Lupus.[bookmark: _Hlk20497836][bookmark: _Hlk20497142]Lupus negatively affects the body in many ways by breaking down the immune system . Immune system cells see the body as a threat and attack themselves, while B and T cells become overactive. The body is gradually attacked by Lupus, and each stage gets progressively worse. The first stage includes things like seizures and valve disease. The second stage is inflammation and the third stage is organ damage (Eder, 2013). This disease destroys the body in every possible way. Seizures alone can be harmful to your health. This disease causes seizures and valvular heart disease in the first two years of Lupus infection. Over the next two years, lupus causes such inflammation that it causes atherosclerosis, a disease of the arteries characterized by the deposition of plaques of fatty material on the internal walls of the arteries. The last stage of Lupus destroys the organs of our body. The organs are attacked by the immune system, which now sees the organs as a threat. This can cause the affected person severe pain and the possibility of having to wait on the donor list to receive a transplant of a donated organ. Stress plays a major role in the psychological mindset and this disease causes a tremendous amount of stress and pain. The psychological impacts of such a fascinating disease can be depression and anxiety. Feelings of depression and anxiety are related to those living with Lupus (Auerbach & Beckerman, 2011). Patients with this diagnosis lose the ability to care for themselves. Not being able to go shopping, take a walk, or even just go to your favorite restaurant could cause depression in anyone. Many Lupus sufferers suffer from anxiety caused by fear of another flare-up (see the next section on "Symptoms") and not knowing when it might occur. Symptoms Lupus causes fatigue, illness, fever and weight loss. Individuals suffering from Lupus typically suffer from joint pain and muscle weakness. People with Lupus are never exactly the same as they may experience different symptoms at different times. Individuals diagnosed with Lupus have episodes called flares. Flare-ups happen, 2018)..