This descriptive review, published in the Archives of Hellenic Medicine (Volume 42, Issue 5, Sept–Oct 2025), explores the concept of medical “gaslighting” and its potential impact on patient safety, such as missed, delayed, or inadequate diagnoses, delayed treatment, and suboptimal health outcomes, resulting from healthcare professionals’ failure to interact effectively with their patients.
“Gaslighting” is recognized as a form of emotional and psychological abuse that does not involve physical harm but can instill feelings of fear, isolation, or loss of control in the victim.
What is Medical Gaslighting
In medical gaslighting, persistent distortions, misunderstandings, manipulation of reality, treating patients as scapegoats, and coercion are key techniques used by “gaslighters,” creating confusion and distress in patients.
Medical gaslighting is a covert form of manipulation with serious consequences, where gaslighters often display narcissistic or antisocial personality traits to reinforce their authority.
Certain groups may be particularly vulnerable to this behavior, including individuals who are overweight, elderly, or living with mental or physical health conditions, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Black, Indigenous, or other people of color.
Profiles of Gaslighters and Gaslightees
Gaslighters use manipulation to assert and maintain power, often undermining the confidence of their victims.
Patients who experience medical gaslighting may face delayed diagnosis and treatment, as well as negative effects on both mental and physical health.
Signs of Medical Gaslighting
- Ignoring or downplaying patients’ symptoms and concerns
- Refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue or paying insufficient attention to the patient
- Misleading the patient into believing that their symptoms are psychological (e.g., “it’s all in your head”)
- Failing to provide referrals or necessary tests
- Imposing a single treatment option, typically the one they recommend
How Patients Can Protect Themselves
Empowering patients and encouraging active participation in their care are central to avoiding gaslighting.
Strategies include:
- Requesting sufficient time for discussion with the healthcare provider
- Preparing questions before the appointment
- Recording details and taking notes
- Being accompanied by a trusted person
- Open and honest communication
Awareness of medical gaslighting is crucial for preventing misdiagnosis and improving health outcomes. The more patients know about their rights and have self-care tools, the better they are equipped to handle instances of gaslighting.
You can read the review here
