Gaslighting is a term that describes situations where manipulation and toxicity exist between two people. This is the term used to describe the actions of a person in order to change the beliefs or perceptions of another. Recent trends show that medical professionals have adopted this term to describe situations in which a doctor deliberately minimizes the severity of a patient’s condition — medical gaslighting.
Medical gaslighting is a practice whereby a doctor downplays or dismisses symptoms and signs of illness in a patient. Taish Malone L.P.C. Ph.D. –a counselor and psychotherapist at Mindpath Health –, it is also used to describe situations in which doctors convince you that symptoms you feel are not real or that they are professionals.
Dr. Ryland Gore, a Atlanta-based expert on breast cancer, said that anyone can be subject to medical gaslighting. This issue also affects the LGBTQ+ community, as well as women and people of color.
Signs Of Medical Gaslighting
Gore says that there are signs that could indicate medical gaslighting. These signs include:
- Weight is often a factor in illness symptoms.
- Even if the signs and symptoms of illness are obvious, a medical professional may refuse to perform imaging tests.
- A misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment or delayed care.
- The medical professional is rude, etc.
Patients Most Likely to Experience Medical Gazlighting?
Women
Research shows that women are more susceptible to medical gaslighting. Studies have shown that misdiagnosis of women after heart attacks is 50% more common than misdiagnosis following strokes, and 33% more likely for women to misdiagnose after a stroke. Women with autism spectrum disorder are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or delayed diagnosed.
Reproductive Health Complications
Christine Metz, the ROSE clinical researcher, says that most cases of medical gaslighting involve reproductive health cases. Because it is taboo in certain societies, many people avoid discussing topics such as menstruation or menstrual pain. Dr. Metz found that over 70% of women had their symptoms of illness ignored by family members, friends, and doctors.
Young Children and Teens
In medical gaslighting, the age factor is crucial. Many adolescents were taught that their current health problems are part of puberty. Many girls are taught that menstrual discomfort is normal, but it can be an indication of serious conditions like endometriosis.
How To Protect Yourself from Medical Gaslighting
To protect yourself against medical gaslighting, there are steps you can take. These are:
- You can review the services of certified consumers by looking at their reviews. You can also get a more objective assessment of the Federation of State Medical Boards. This site examines the medical credentials and disciplinary actions against medical professionals.
- Note down your questions: Before you go to the doctor, it is a good idea to note down any questions you have. This will help you ask the right questions and prevent you from forgetting them during appointments.
