Medical gaslighting is when a physician or medical professional dismisses or downplays a patient's physical symptoms, attributing them to a psychological condition.
Medical gaslighting can have severe impacts on patients both physically and emotionally. Those affected may spend a significant amount of time trying to find a doctor who can provide an accurate diagnosis of their symptoms. This can result in a range of negative outcomes such as unnecessary medical tests, frequent visits to healthcare professionals, misdiagnoses that need to be corrected, physical pain, and suffering from the failure to address a medical condition with appropriate care. In some cases, medical gaslighting can even lead to death.
Moreover, research indicates that the longer patients seek an accurate diagnosis, the less credible they may appear to doctors. This can lead doctors to be less likely to trust the patient's description of their own symptoms, which can further exacerbate the patient's medical condition.
Medical gaslighting is a problem in Canadian healthcare. Here are things to ensure you get the care you need.
You've Got to Trust Your Doctor!
If you feel like your doctor is not taking your symptoms seriously or condescendingly speaking to you, it's important to find a new doctor who listens to you and makes you feel comfortable discussing your symptoms.
Bring a Friend or Family Member With You.
If you are concerned about being taken seriously by your healthcare provider or receiving a correct diagnosis, it can be helpful to bring a trusted friend or family member with you to your appointment. This way, you will have someone there who can support you and confirm your observations of your symptoms if your healthcare provider questions them. Additionally, this person may be able to ask questions that you might not have thought of and remember important information and advice from the appointment that you may have missed.
Take Notes of Your Questions and Symptoms Before Your Appointment.
To make sure that you get the most out of your doctor's appointment, it's a good idea to prepare beforehand. One helpful way to do this is to create a list of questions that you want to ask your doctor. Write them down so that you don't forget anything important.
It's also useful to keep track of your symptoms and any changes in your health so that you can discuss them with your doctor. Make a record of how you've been feeling and any changes you've noticed.
It's a good practice to take notes during your appointment with the doctor. This will help you recall any crucial information that your doctor shares with you. Also, if there's anything you need to follow up on after the appointment, having notes will be handy. Remember, it's always a good idea to get a second opinion if you have any doubts about your diagnosis or treatment plan.
If you are dissatisfied with the initial diagnosis provided by your doctor, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion. This is especially important if you feel that a physician from a different specialty, such as a women's health specialist, may be better equipped to understand your condition.
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