How to spot “medical gaslighting” and what to do about it.
Experts share tips for defending your interests in a health care setting.
Christina, who lives in Portland, Me., said she felt ignored by doctors for years. When she was 50 pounds heavier, her providers sometimes blamed her height when she talked about her health issues.
One case occurred weeks after she she fell off her bike. "My elbow was still hurting," said Christina, 39, who asked that her last name be withheld when discussing her medical history. "I went to see my regular GP and she just said 'well you're overweight and it's putting a strain on your joints'.
Finally , Christina went to an urgent care center where providers performed an X-ray and discovered that she had chipped a bone in her arm.
Der Recently, the issue has drawn attention — both in the medical community and the general public — for disproportionately affecting women, people of color, geriatric patients, and L.G.B.T.Q. people. For example, studies have shown that women are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed with certain conditions — like heart disease and autoimmune diseases — and they often wait longer for a diagnosis. And a group of researchers found doctors were more likely to use negative descriptors like 'non-compliant' or 'agitated' in the health records of black patients than in those of white patients - a practice that could lead to disparities in health care.
"Gaslighting is real; it happens all the time. Patients – and especially women – need to be aware of this" , said Dr. Jennifer H. Mieres, professor of cardiology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and co-author of the book "Heart Smarter for Women."
Here are some tips on how to defend yourself in a medical setting.
What are the signs of gaslighting?Gaslighting can be subtle and not always easy to spot. When seeking medical care, experts recommend watching for the following red flags.
Your provider is continually interrupting you, not allowing you to elaborate, and not does not appear to be a committed auditor.
Your provider is downplaying or downplaying your symptoms, for example that...
Experts share tips for defending your interests in a health care setting.
Christina, who lives in Portland, Me., said she felt ignored by doctors for years. When she was 50 pounds heavier, her providers sometimes blamed her height when she talked about her health issues.
One case occurred weeks after she she fell off her bike. "My elbow was still hurting," said Christina, 39, who asked that her last name be withheld when discussing her medical history. "I went to see my regular GP and she just said 'well you're overweight and it's putting a strain on your joints'.
Finally , Christina went to an urgent care center where providers performed an X-ray and discovered that she had chipped a bone in her arm.
Der Recently, the issue has drawn attention — both in the medical community and the general public — for disproportionately affecting women, people of color, geriatric patients, and L.G.B.T.Q. people. For example, studies have shown that women are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed with certain conditions — like heart disease and autoimmune diseases — and they often wait longer for a diagnosis. And a group of researchers found doctors were more likely to use negative descriptors like 'non-compliant' or 'agitated' in the health records of black patients than in those of white patients - a practice that could lead to disparities in health care.
"Gaslighting is real; it happens all the time. Patients – and especially women – need to be aware of this" , said Dr. Jennifer H. Mieres, professor of cardiology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and co-author of the book "Heart Smarter for Women."
Here are some tips on how to defend yourself in a medical setting.
What are the signs of gaslighting?Gaslighting can be subtle and not always easy to spot. When seeking medical care, experts recommend watching for the following red flags.
Your provider is continually interrupting you, not allowing you to elaborate, and not does not appear to be a committed auditor.
Your provider is downplaying or downplaying your symptoms, for example that...
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