Medical gaslighting, a subtle yet harmful practice, involves dismissing or downplaying patients’ concerns. While it can be challenging to identify, it disproportionately affects women and people of color, often resulting in delayed diagnoses and worsened health outcomes. Here’s how to spot the signs, understand its causes, and advocate for yourself in the face of this troubling phenomenon.
What Is Medical Gaslighting?
Medical gaslighting occurs when a healthcare provider dismisses or minimizes a patient’s symptoms, often attributing them to mental health conditions or exaggeration. Alyssa Burgart, a physician and bioethicist, defines it as “patients’ symptoms and lived experiences being dismissed by medical providers and explained away with incorrect diagnoses”. This lack of acknowledgment can have severe consequences, especially for those with chronic or invisible illnesses.
Common Signs to Watch For
Recognizing medical gaslighting can be difficult, but the following signs are red flags:
- Your doctor interrupts or doesn’t listen to you.
- They blame you for your symptoms or attribute them to anxiety without further investigation.
- They fail to provide referrals or order necessary lab tests.
- You feel ashamed or invalidated after appointments.
“If you leave feeling worse than when you walked in, it’s a gut-level sign of gaslighting,” says Dr. Kim Gorgens, a clinical psychologist.
Groups at Higher Risk
Research shows that women and people of color are more likely to experience medical gaslighting. For example:
- Women with heart disease are often diagnosed later than men and receive less aggressive treatment.
- Black, Asian, and Latino individuals face higher rates of misdiagnosed stroke symptoms. These disparities are rooted in systemic biases and underrepresentation in medical research.
Blaming Mental Health
One of the most common forms of medical gaslighting is attributing physical symptoms to mental health issues. “If you’re quickly diagnosed with anxiety or stress without proper screening, this may be gaslighting,” warns Burgart. Such assumptions can delay accurate diagnoses and prolong suffering.
Ignoring the Need for Referrals
When a generalist doesn’t know the answer, they should refer patients to specialists. Failure to do so is another hallmark of medical gaslighting. “Doctors must guide patients toward appropriate care,” says Julie Cantor, a physician and lawyer. Without proper referrals, patients are left navigating a maze of healthcare on their own.
Why Does Medical Gaslighting Happen?
Several systemic issues contribute to medical gaslighting:
- Bias in Research: Historically, women and people of color have been underrepresented in medical studies, leading to gaps in knowledge about their health.
- Time Constraints: The average primary care appointment lasts just 18 minutes, leaving little room for thorough exploration of symptoms.
- Implicit Bias: Unconscious prejudice can affect how doctors interpret and address patients’ concerns.
How to Advocate for Yourself
If you suspect medical gaslighting, take these steps:
- Bring a Support Person: A trusted companion can help reinforce your concerns and ask follow-up questions.
- Document Everything: Keep a record of symptoms, appointments, and advice. Write down questions to ensure all issues are addressed during visits.
- Seek Second Opinions: Don’t hesitate to consult another doctor if you feel dismissed. “Your feelings are valid, and you are the expert of your own body,” emphasizes Dr. Carter, a public health expert.
Recognizing and Overcoming Medical Gaslighting
Medical gaslighting undermines trust and can jeopardize health outcomes. By understanding its signs and causes, you can better navigate healthcare and advocate for your needs. Remember: You deserve to be heard, respected, and treated with care. If necessary, find a provider who truly listens to you—your health depends on it.