Quality of life issues for patients suffering from immunological connective tissue disorders focus on potentially debilitating symptoms, particularly during periods where the disease is active. For example:

• In systemic lupus erythematosus, pain at multiple sites and extreme fatigue are notably challenging symptoms.
• Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to crippling joint deformities.
• Thickened skin leaves scleroderma patients with stiffness and loss of dexterity, making simple tasks like picking up a pencil difficult.
• Muscle weakness leaves dermatomyositis patients easily fatigued.

Knowing that the disorders are at present incurable, patients may also experience feelings of helplessness, hopelessness or depression.