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What is medical gaslighting in Illinois and Indiana?

On Behalf of | Feb 23, 2023 | Medical Malpractice

Visiting your physician for an issue in Illinois and Indiana should result in the puzzle being solved and a treatment plan. However, you may experience medical gaslighting, a form of medical malpractice, if you do not receive a treatment plan for your concern. Victims of this medical malpractice may not even know they are being mistreated, given inaccurate advice or receiving an inadequate amount of care for their issues.

What is medical gaslighting?

Your doctor must provide accurate test results, diagnoses, and general health information when you visit them. However, suppose you go to a doctor and are told there’s nothing wrong with you. Yet, you have an underlying health condition that has you concerned. Without addressing the underlying issue, the physician’s medical gaslighting becomes a form of medical malpractice. When this happens, it could cost you your health or life if you don’t find someone who can accurately diagnose you and provide an effective treatment.

Medical gaslighting often happens when a doctor assumes mental health conditions cause symptoms. Additionally, medical gaslighting is more likely to happen to people of color, women and people from the LGBTQ community.

How to prevent missed diagnoses

If you’re afraid that you could have a missed diagnosis, whether because of medical gaslighting or a doctor who made an honest mistake, there are a few things that you can do to prevent missed diagnoses. First, make sure that you keep a journal of all of your symptoms and any treatments you receive. You should also feel empowered to seek a specialist who might be more familiar with conditions that could align with your symptoms.

When you want your health to remain at the forefront, trust your care to a physician that listens, provides accurate data promptly, and if you have a doubt- get a second (or third) opinion. Then, continue to advocate for yourself until you get the needed treatment.