Why Does Medical Gaslighting Happen?
Medical gaslighting refers to a distressing situation where a patient’s health concerns are disregarded, downplayed or invalidated by a medical professional. This form of systemic medical abuse can be deeply harmful to people seeking care and support. Whether intentional or not, medical gaslighting can have serious consequences. Gaslighting can cause significant delays in getting an accurate diagnosis, subjecting individuals to unnecessary or ineffective treatments and destroying trust in future medical treatment.
Medical gaslighting can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Lack of knowledge: A doctor may not know how to recognize your condition or understand the appropriate treatment.
- Psychological blaming: A doctor may blame a patient’s physical illness or symptoms on psychological factors.
- Personal bias: A doctor’s point of view may prevent the patient from getting the required treatment.
What to Do If You Believe Your Doctor Is Gaslighting You
Your first steps when you suspect medical gaslighting include:
- Collecting documentation. Write down detailed descriptions of your symptoms, including when and how long they last and the diagnosis or treatment recommendations, or lack thereof, you received from your doctor. Be sure to document your appointment visits, including their specific dates and times.
- Seeking a second medical opinion. It is important to find a healthcare professional who takes your concerns seriously and works to identify the underlying issue.
- Getting legal help. If your condition worsens due to an incorrect diagnosis, delayed diagnosis or failure to diagnose, contact a medical malpractice attorney who has experience in handling medical misdiagnosis and non-diagnosis issues.
Where to Find a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Oklahoma City, OK
The legal professionals at Johnson & Biscone have extensive experience handling a wide range of cases involving medical negligence. Our attorneys have effectively handled cases involving injuries and unfortunate deaths caused by negligent medical parties including doctors, surgeons and hospitals.
Johnson & Biscone is a compassionate law firm that proudly serves the Oklahoma community. If you would like to learn more about medical malpractice and understand your rights, we recommend speaking with one of our attorneys today. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 405-232-6490.
