Are You Aware of Medical Gaslighting

Medical gaslighting, a term gaining prominence in recent years, describes a disturbing phenomenon in healthcare. It occurs when a healthcare provider dismisses, downplays, or denies a patient’s symptoms, concerns, or experiences. This manipulation can have devastating consequences, leading to delayed diagnoses, ineffective treatments, and a significant impact on patients’ mental and physical health. The experiences of women with the healthcare system are overwhelmingly negative and encompassed in medical gaslighting, leading to the worsening of health conditions. (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379197934_Psychological_Impact_of_Medical_Gaslighting_on_Women_A_Systematic_Review)

Signs You Might Be a Victim of Medical Gaslighting

Recognizing when you’re being gaslighted can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with a medical professional you trust. Here are some signs to watch out for:

1. Your symptoms are repeatedly dismissed as anxiety or stress.
2. You feel unheard or ignored during appointments.
3. You are told that diagnostic tests are unnecessary despite ongoing symptoms.
4. Your doctor doesn’t explain alternative diagnoses or treatment options.
5. You leave appointments feeling confused or doubting your own health concerns.

Many women expressed trauma because of their experiences in health care and often this led to a fear of accessing health services.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9811844/

There are several factors that can contribute to medical gaslighting:

• Lack of awareness: Some healthcare providers may be unaware of the concept of medical gaslighting and may dismiss patients’ concerns without realizing the impact of their behavior.
• Bias and prejudice: Healthcare providers may harbor biases or prejudices against certain patients, such as those with mental health conditions, women, or people of color. These biases can lead them to dismiss or downplay these patients’ concerns.
• Time constraints: Healthcare providers often face time constraints and may feel pressured to see as many patients as possible. This can lead them to rush through appointments and fail to listen carefully to patients’ concerns.
• Lack of empathy: Some healthcare providers may lack empathy and understanding for their patients’ experiences. This can make it difficult for them to take patients’ concerns seriously.
• Systemic issues: Systemic issues within the healthcare system, such as inadequate training for healthcare providers or limited access to care, can also contribute to medical gaslighting.

Who is Most Affected by Medical Gaslighting?

While everyone can experience medical gaslighting, certain groups are disproportionately affected:

1. Women: Many studies have shown that women’s health concerns, especially regarding pain, are often downplayed. This can lead to dangerous delays in diagnosing conditions like endometriosis or autoimmune diseases. At the same time, women report that their pain is ignored or dismissed by health-care providers5, they wait longer to receive care in emergency settings for acute pain than do men, and are less likely than men to receive any pain relief, including opioids https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1553-2712.2008.00100.x
2. People of Color: Racial minorities often experience discrimination in healthcare settings. Studies show that Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive appropriate pain management and are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed. Pregnant and postpartum Black women were two to three times more likely than white women to die of hemorrhage (severe bleeding) or embolisms (blood vessel blockages). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-funded-study-highlights-stark-racial-disparities-maternal-deaths#:~:text=Pregnant%20and%20postpartum%20Black%20women,led%20by%20Marian%20MacDorman%2C%20Ph.
3. LGBTQ+ individuals: People from the LGBTQ+ community may face unique challenges in healthcare, including discrimination and misunderstanding, which can lead to medical gaslighting. A study found that a significant number of LGBTQIA+ individuals face discrimination and mistreatment in healthcare settings. Forty-seven percent reported experiencing medical gaslighting, while eighteen percent disclosed experiencing medical trauma. Additionally, ten percent indicated they have faced some form of medical discrimination. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/new-study-finds-47-of-lgbtq-people-experience-medical-gaslighting#:~:text=New%20Study%20Finds%2047%%20of%20LGBTQ%20People,have%20experienced%20some%20form%20of%20medical%20discrimination.
4. Patients with Chronic Illness: Those suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or Lyme disease often encounter skepticism about their symptoms. A study of 986 Lyme disease patients found many felt marginalized by healthcare providers. Symptoms were often dismissed, blood tests and rashes ignored, and chronic Lyme disease denied. This gaslighting led to delayed diagnoses and negative outcomes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38200984/

The Impact of Medical Gaslighting on Patients

Medical gaslighting can have severe consequences, both in terms of physical and mental health. When symptoms are ignored, it can delay the diagnosis of serious conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders, or cancer. This can lead to worsened outcomes and, in some cases, preventable deaths.

• Emotional and Mental Toll Patients who experience gaslighting often suffer from mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. Being told that their symptoms are imagined or exaggerated can lead to feelings of isolation and mistrust in the medical system.
• Delayed diagnoses Patients who are gaslighted may delay seeking medical attention or may be misdiagnosed, leading to serious health consequences.
• Incorrect treatments Patients who are gaslighted may receive ineffective or harmful treatments.
• Increased stress and anxiety The experience of being gaslighted can be extremely stressful and anxiety-inducing.
• Depression: Patients who are gaslighted may develop depression or other mental health conditions.
• Loss of trust in healthcare providers: Patients who are gaslighted may lose trust in healthcare providers and may be reluctant to seek medical care in the future.

How to Advocate for Yourself in Healthcare Settings

If you suspect you are a victim of medical gaslighting, it’s essential to take steps to advocate for yourself. Here are some strategies to ensure you receive the care you deserve:

1. Trust Your Instincts: You know your body better than anyone else. If something feels wrong, persist in seeking answers.
2. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, including when they started, what worsens or alleviates them, and how they affect your daily life.
3. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to explain their reasoning, the potential diagnoses, and why they may not be considering certain conditions.
4. Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel dismissed or unheard, don’t be afraid to seek another healthcare provider’s opinion.
5. Bring an Advocate: Sometimes having a trusted family member or friend at your appointments can help ensure your concerns are taken seriously.

Medical gaslighting is a serious issue that undermines the trust between patients and healthcare providers. It disproportionately affects women, people of color, and those with chronic conditions, making it a crucial topic in patient advocacy. Awareness is the first step toward change, both at the individual and systemic levels. By recognizing the signs and advocating for themselves, patients can work toward receiving the care they deserve.

Remember:

• If you’ve felt dismissed by a healthcare provider, trust your instincts.
• Second opinions and advocating for better care are essential.
• Medical gaslighting is preventable, but it requires action from both patients and healthcare professionals.

Further Resources:

• National Health Service (NHS) provides information on patient advocacy in the UK healthcare system.
• The American Medical Association (AMA) offers resources for patients to learn more about their rights and responsibilities in healthcare settings.