As of July 29, 2022, too many women, people of color, geriatric, and LGBTQ+ patients in the United States experience medical gaslighting, or having one’s symptoms dismissed by a medical professional due to oppression and discrimination against these people.
In 2006 and 2007, nearly 12 million adults in the U.S. were misdiagnosed. According to a recent New York Times article relating to this topic, “Some recounted misdiagnoses that nearly cost them [patients] their lives or that delayed treatment, leading to unnecessary suffering.”
Dr. Jennifer H. Mieres says that, “Gaslighting is real; it happens all the time. Patients — and especially women — need to be aware of it.”
To spot whether or not you are being gaslighted, you must know the signs. Signs of medical gaslighting include constant interruptions from your provider, feeling that your symptoms and condition are being minimized or belittled, and getting turned down when you request imaging or lab work.
To advocate for yourself, take notes on your symptoms and collect information related to your symptoms such as what the symptoms are, how often you feel these symptoms, and potential triggers. In addition to taking notes on symptoms, also keep records of previous lab results, your family medical history, and specifics on medications you are taking.
Other tips to incorporate into your exams are to bring along a support person who can give you emotional support and/or serve as a “second ear” for you. Also, due to the average primary care exam being only 18 minutes long, begin the visit by focusing on the most pressing issue at hand, such as your pain level or the number of times you have vomited in the past 24 hours..
Do not be afraid to ask questions so that you will get the proper treatment and diagnosis. Remember, your medical provider is working for you. Be polite but firm and stand up for yourself—you deserve excellent medical care.
In 2006 and 2007, nearly 12 million adults in the U.S. were misdiagnosed. According to a recent New York Times article relating to this topic, “Some recounted misdiagnoses that nearly cost them [patients] their lives or that delayed treatment, leading to unnecessary suffering.”
Dr. Jennifer H. Mieres says that, “Gaslighting is real; it happens all the time. Patients — and especially women — need to be aware of it.”
To spot whether or not you are being gaslighted, you must know the signs. Signs of medical gaslighting include constant interruptions from your provider, feeling that your symptoms and condition are being minimized or belittled, and getting turned down when you request imaging or lab work.
To advocate for yourself, take notes on your symptoms and collect information related to your symptoms such as what the symptoms are, how often you feel these symptoms, and potential triggers. In addition to taking notes on symptoms, also keep records of previous lab results, your family medical history, and specifics on medications you are taking.
Other tips to incorporate into your exams are to bring along a support person who can give you emotional support and/or serve as a “second ear” for you. Also, due to the average primary care exam being only 18 minutes long, begin the visit by focusing on the most pressing issue at hand, such as your pain level or the number of times you have vomited in the past 24 hours..
Do not be afraid to ask questions so that you will get the proper treatment and diagnosis. Remember, your medical provider is working for you. Be polite but firm and stand up for yourself—you deserve excellent medical care.
