🔍Medical gaslighting is the experience when a medical professional discounts a patient's concerns.
⚠️Medical gaslighting should not be confused with disagreements between patients and doctors.
🧠The burden often falls on the patient to ensure they receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
💔Medical gaslighting can result in delayed or inadequate care.
👨⚕️👩⚕️Medical professionals should strive to listen to their patients and provide thorough explanations for their decisions.
What is medical gaslighting?
—Medical gaslighting refers to the experience when a medical professional discounts a patient's concerns.
How can patients respond to medical gaslighting?
—Patients can be proactive and advocate for themselves to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
What are some signs of medical gaslighting?
—Signs of medical gaslighting include a provider who continually interrupts, minimizes symptoms, is rude or condescending, or blames symptoms on mental illness without further evaluation.
Is medical gaslighting deliberate?
—Medical professionals generally do not intentionally gaslight patients, but biases and limitations in the healthcare system can contribute to the experience.
How can healthcare professionals address medical gaslighting?
—Healthcare professionals should strive to listen to patients, provide thorough explanations, and continually educate themselves on patient experiences.
00:00Medical gaslighting refers to the experience when a medical professional discounts a patient's concerns.
01:01Patients often have to take responsibility for ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment.
04:30Signs of medical gaslighting include interruptions, minimizing symptoms, rude behavior, and blaming symptoms on mental illness without proper evaluation.
06:52Providers may not order tests if they deem them unnecessary, but patients can request further evaluation or seek a second opinion.
