Understanding Medical Gaslighting: How to Recognize and Address It

by Dr LaSonya Lopez, MD

Imagine visiting a doctor with persistent symptoms, only to be told, “It’s all in your head” or “You’re just stressed.” For many women, this isn’t just frustrating—it’s a common reality. Medical gaslighting, where patients’ concerns are minimized, dismissed, or attributed to psychological factors without adequate investigation, is an issue that undermines trust and delays necessary care. Let’s explore what medical gaslighting is, why it disproportionately affects women, and how to advocate for yourself in healthcare settings.

What Is Medical Gaslighting?

Medical gaslighting occurs when healthcare professionals dismiss or downplay a patient’s symptoms, suggesting they are exaggerated, imagined, or purely psychological. This can manifest in subtle ways, such as:

Invalidation: Responses like “That’s just normal for your age” without exploring your symptoms further.
Minimization: Statements like “You’re overreacting” or “It’s not that serious.”
Attribution to Stress: Focusing solely on mental health when physical causes haven’t been ruled out.

Why Does Medical Gaslighting Happen?

Several systemic and cultural factors contribute to medical gaslighting:

Gender Bias in Medicine: Women’s symptoms are more likely to be attributed to emotional or psychological causes. Studies show that women are less likely than men to receive pain medication or diagnostic testing for similar complaints.
Racial Disparities: Women of color often face compounded bias, leading to even higher rates of dismissal or inadequate care.
Complex Conditions: Diseases like fibromyalgia, endometriosis, or autoimmune disorders are harder to diagnose and are sometimes dismissed as “imaginary.”

The Impact of Medical Gaslighting

When medical gaslighting occurs, the consequences can be profound:

Delayed Diagnosis: Critical conditions, such as heart disease or autoimmune disorders, may go undiagnosed for years.
Emotional Harm: Repeated dismissal erodes confidence, leaving patients doubting their instincts.
Health Inequities: Marginalized groups face higher rates of misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment.

Recognizing Medical Gaslighting

It’s important to recognize the signs of medical gaslighting so you can address it effectively:

Your Symptoms Are Dismissed Without Testing: If your provider downplays your concerns without conducting thorough examinations, this could be a red flag.
You’re Told It’s “Just Stress” Repeatedly: While stress can affect health, it shouldn’t be the default explanation for physical symptoms without further exploration.
You Feel Silenced: If your questions are ignored or brushed off, you’re not being given the respect you deserve.
Pattern of Misdiagnosis: If multiple providers have dismissed your symptoms or misdiagnosed you, it’s worth digging deeper.

How to Address Medical Gaslighting

Advocating for yourself in medical settings can feel intimidating, but these steps can help:

1. Document Your Symptoms

Keep a health journal detailing when symptoms occur, their severity, and any triggers. This provides tangible evidence when discussing your concerns with your doctor.

2. Ask Specific Questions

Examples include: “What else could this be?” or “What tests can we run to rule out other conditions?” Asking targeted questions can encourage more thorough investigations.

3. Bring a Support Person

A trusted friend or family member can provide emotional support and help you advocate during appointments.

4. Seek Second Opinions

If your concerns are consistently dismissed, don’t hesitate to seek another opinion. A fresh perspective may uncover overlooked issues.

5. Educate Yourself

Research your symptoms and possible conditions using credible sources like Mayo Clinic or NIH websites. Being informed can help you ask better questions and challenge dismissive attitudes.

Real-Life Example: Serena Williams

After giving birth in 2017, tennis star Serena Williams experienced life-threatening complications due to a pulmonary embolism. Despite recognizing her own symptoms, her concerns were initially dismissed. Her persistence in demanding further testing saved her life and brought attention to the dangers of ignoring women’s voices in healthcare (Vogue, 2018).

Lesson: Trust your instincts. You know your body better than anyone else.

Building a Culture of Advocacy

Addressing medical gaslighting isn’t just about individual action—it requires systemic change:

Training Providers: Incorporating bias awareness and communication skills into medical education can improve patient care.
Empowering Patients: Community workshops and online resources can teach women how to advocate for themselves effectively.
Raising Awareness: Sharing stories of medical gaslighting can spark conversations and push for accountability in healthcare.

Final Thoughts

Medical gaslighting is a pervasive issue, but it’s one that can be addressed through awareness, advocacy, and systemic change. By recognizing the signs, trusting your instincts, and using strategies to advocate for yourself, you can navigate the healthcare system with greater confidence. Remember: your voice matters, and your health deserves to be taken seriously.

What steps will you take to ensure your health concerns are heard and validated?