The Silent Harm: Unpacking Medical Gaslighting

Back to basics! Many people who are ill have a really hard time reading long articles so I have summarized one of my more popular articles on Medical Gaslighting down to a quick three minute read (you can find the original article here). I will also write another two brief articles on Medical Trauma and Traumatic Grief in the coming weeks.

Medical gaslighting is a subtle yet deeply damaging phenomenon in healthcare, where a patient's symptoms or concerns are dismissed, minimized, or attributed to psychological causes without appropriate investigation. Often rooted in implicit bias, power imbalances, or systemic issues within the medical system, this behavior can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and a loss of trust in healthcare providers. While the term "gaslighting" originally referred to emotional manipulation in personal relationships, its application in medicine sheds light on a pervasive issue that disproportionately affects women, people of colour, and those with chronic or poorly understood illnesses. Understanding and addressing medical gaslighting is critical to fostering a more equitable and patient-centered healthcare system.

The Nature of Medical Gaslighting

Medical gaslighting typically involves a healthcare provider disregarding a patient’s account of their symptoms, suggesting that their experience is exaggerated or purely psychological. Phrases like "It's all in your head," or "You’re just stressed," exemplify this behavior. While such conclusions may occasionally be accurate, the problem arises when they are reached prematurely, without sufficient diagnostic effort. Patients often leave these interactions feeling confused, invalidated, and questioning their own perception of reality; the hallmarks of gaslighting.

Who Is Most Affected

Research and patient testimonials reveal that medical gaslighting disproportionately affects certain groups. Women, particularly women of colour, are less likely to have their pain taken seriously or treated promptly compared to white male patients. Studies have shown that women wait longer in emergency rooms for pain medication and are more likely to be diagnosed with psychological conditions like anxiety or depression, even when presenting with physical symptoms. Similarly, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, or Lyme disease often report being dismissed or labeled as hypochondriacs.

Consequences of Medical Gaslighting

The consequences of medical gaslighting can be devastating. Delayed diagnoses can lead to worsening conditions, irreversible damage, or even death. Emotional harm also plays a significant role, as patients begin to internalize the doubt and lose trust in medical professionals. Some may avoid seeking care altogether, fearing another invalidating experience. The erosion of this trust can have long-term public health implications, especially during times when accurate medical guidance is critical. People may even present with 'medical trauma' caused by medical gaslighting, through the experience of traumatic stress within the medical system.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to medical gaslighting. These include time pressures, lack of training in empathy or trauma-informed care, and unconscious bias. The medical model often prioritizes objective data and dismisses subjective experiences, which can marginalize conditions that are difficult to quantify. Furthermore, systemic racism and sexism remain embedded in healthcare structures, influencing provider attitudes and diagnostic practices.

Addressing the Problem

To address medical gaslighting, changes are needed on multiple levels. Medical education must emphasize patient-centered care, implicit bias training, and the importance of listening to patients. Institutions should implement accountability mechanisms that allow patients to report dismissive behavior without fear. Patients themselves can benefit from being empowered to advocate for their health by keeping detailed records, bringing support persons to appointments, and seeking second opinions. Technology, such as electronic health records and patient satisfaction surveys, can also help flag patterns of dismissal or miscommunication.

Conclusion

Medical gaslighting is a serious issue that undermines the integrity of healthcare and endangers the well-being of patients. It reflects deeper cultural and systemic problems that must be acknowledged and addressed. By listening to patients, validating their experiences, and prioritizing equitable care, the medical community can begin to rebuild trust and ensure that all individuals receive the compassion and competence they deserve. Recognizing medical gaslighting is the first step toward eliminating it, and toward creating a healthcare system where every voice truly matters.

If this is something you’ve been affected by, please leave a comment below. If there’s something important you’d like to add, please do so. I'd love to hear from you.

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Dr. Ingela Thuné-Boyle is a licensed Practitioner Health Psychologist and a Doctor in Behavioural Medicine who specializes in stress and loss, especially in improving the quality of life of people struggling with long-term health problems, chronic pain and medical trauma. She runs a private online (telehealth) practice at www.ingelathuneboyle.com.

Please note: Advice given in this blog is not meant to take the place of therapy or any other professional advice. The opinions and views offered by the author is not intended to treat or diagnose, nor is it intended to replace the treatment and care that you may be receiving from a licensed physician or mental health provider. The author is not responsible for the outcome or results following their information and advice on this blog.