Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which a person manipulates another person into doubting their sanity. Medical gaslighting can take the form of a healthcare provider denying or minimizing a patient’s symptoms, dismissing their concerns or providing false information to manipulate the patient into believing their condition is not as severe as it is.
Dismissing patient’s symptoms
One example of gaslighting as medical malpractice is when a doctor dismisses a patient’s complaints of chronic pain as psychological, despite evidence to the contrary. This can lead to the patient being denied proper treatment or being misdiagnosed, which can have serious consequences for their health and well-being.
Medical misinformation
Another example is a doctor providing false or misleading information to a patient to downplay the severity of their condition or the risks of a certain treatment. This can lead to patients making decisions about their health that are not in their best interest and can result in further harm.
Consequences of medical gaslighting
Gaslighting as a form of medical malpractice can have a devastating impact on patients. It can lead to a delayed or incorrect diagnosis, inadequate treatment and even permanent injury or death. It can also cause emotional distress and have a long-lasting impact on a patient’s mental health.
What patients can do
Patients have the right to accurate and complete information about their health, and healthcare providers must provide this information in a timely and respectful manner. Gaslighting as a form of medical malpractice is a violation of this duty, and patients who have been subjected to this type of abuse have the right to seek recourse.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of gaslighting as medical malpractice, it is important to examine all your options. Start by gaining a complete understanding of your rights so you can act accordingly. This may include reporting the medical professional to the appropriate board and filing a malpractice claim.
Medical gaslighting can be life-threatening
In the context of medical malpractice, gaslighting can have serious consequences for the patient’s health and well-being and it should be considered a form of abuse. While mistakes can be made in the diagnosis process, a blatant or malicious oversight can prove devastating and requires action on the victim’s part.