The term medical gaslighting describes when a medical professional dismisses or minimizes a patient’s concerns. In practice, this is telling patients their symptoms aren’t a big deal, or that they’re all on their minds, or bluntly recommending weight loss or mental health treatment without really delving into what’s wrong. It may look like
Medical gaslighting disproportionately affects women and people of color.In one of his 2008 papers published in women’s health journal Women were found to be twice as likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness as men, despite exhibiting common symptoms of heart disease.
a another study In 2002, researchers from Umea University, Sweden, investigated gender differences in the diagnosis and management of neck pain. The researchers found that many doctors asked women psychosocial questions (meaning they assess an individual’s physical, mental and emotional health) after hearing patients describe neck pain. and suggested prescribing medicine. Laboratory tests were requested more frequently in men.
