Gaslighting as a term, simply means manipulation through psychological means leading a person to question their reasons or beliefs. It could be described as a play on intelligence, feigning hurt or averting one’s initial view of something else, mostly belonging to the said person’s view. Gaslighting can happen in any sense mostly emotional but what happens when gaslighting is present in the medical field?
Gaslighting being present in the medical field is one that is not easily imagined, this is because the medical field takes care of the lives of people.
Medical Gaslighting
About 80% of people today have experienced medical gaslighting, but the problem is that a good number of people do not know they are being gaslit. This happens mostly because of the trust individuals have in their doctors or specialists and in most cases, where it does happen it leads to fatal health emergencies and in extreme cases even death.
Medical Gaslighting is a behavior where medical practitioners or even specialists downplay a patient’s physical symptoms. Or attribute them to something else, such as a psychological condition.
This simply connotes where a patient raises some more serious health concerns with their doctor but feels these are dismissed altogether. Or brushed off as not being anything serious. These brushed-off or pushover symptoms may be serious and lead to something more complicated or the patient’s death.
Cases of this nature go unreported but they happen in our society now and then and should be critically looked at. The doctors who are aware of the reason for the demise will brush it off, knowing fully well the cause of the death.
How You Know You Are Being Gaslit by A Doctor
To know this is not that much of a hassle. Any slight dismissal of a symptom or putting off a symptom is medical gaslighting.
When a patient hears words like ‘It is not that serious’. ‘I don’t think this can have such an effect’. Or ‘Are you sure you have had a proper sleep because this is not possible’.
Even the slightest doubt without an explanation that may be beneficial to the patient can be medical gaslighting. As long as the doctor intends to put off that particular symptom as nothing serious or even worth considering or talking about, is medical gaslighting.
Impact of Medical Gaslighting on the Patient
Medical gaslighting can impact patients in several ways both physically and emotionally.
Patients may spend a long time attempting to find a doctor who can accurately diagnose their symptoms, leading to excessive tests, frequent visits to hospitals, or even administering homemade remedies to seek answers or a cure.
Patients oftentimes experience physical pain and suffering from the failure to address a medical condition with appropriate care and in extreme cases it can lead to death.
This is not only stressful for the patient, but patients continue to seek an accurate diagnosis, their reputation makes them less credible to doctors, who become less likely to trust the patient’s description of their symptoms as quite a number have put them off about it.
It also causes emotional distress and long-lasting psychological effects. As a result of the negligence, patients develop anxiety or depression and may even avoid undergoing procedures in the future or appointments. As no proper result is being found or they do not feel a sense of trust toward that medical practitioner.
For a while now, questions have been asked about the usage of the term “Medical Gaslighting”. If it is an appropriate word to describe the neglect or treatment of medical practitioners to their patients.
Is It Appropriate to Use the Term ‘Medical Gaslighting?’
While there is ample evidence to suggest that the issues highlighted by the concept of medical gaslighting are real, some have pointed out that the term is one-sided and suggests abusive intent on the part of healthcare professionals.
How to Remedy Medical Gaslighting
The medical system is with problems as well as other aspects of life. Some of these issues include;
- Short Sessions; Allowing doctors minimal time with each patient leads to a reliance on biases that may not apply to a specific patient
- Inadequate training in Mental health
- Physical and mental exhaustion of the medical practitioners leads to burnout.
- Lack of proper healthcare facilities
There is a need for reform in the healthcare system, including supporting physicians with the time and resources they need to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment.
In the same vein, medical professionals should be required to learn about bias in the system (concerning women and oftentimes colored people in the diaspora) and how to avoid applying it to their patients.
These changes will not happen in a day or even a year. On seeing the changes will not disappear suddenly it is important for patients, especially women and people of color, to be aware of how their medical symptoms may be overlooked or ignored. And to be supported in speaking up and advocating for their medical care and treatment.
Tips to Avoid Medical Gaslighting
- Find a Doctor You Trust: If you ever feel like your doctor is dismissing your symptoms or talking down to you, find another doctor who takes you seriously, listens to you, and you feel comfortable explaining your symptoms to.
- Bring a Trusted Friend or Family Member with You: That way there is a backup voice who can convince the doctor, or even lend a pressing hand to confirm your symptoms and may seek advice or point out symptoms you may not remember.
- Write Questions and Symptoms Down to take with you to the appointment
- Get a Second Opinion: Do not hesitate to get a second opinion, if need be.
Medical gaslighting is as real as a mosquito sting and can happen to anyone. One must always be on the lookout as health is the most important factor to a person.
