New Study Shows Lasting Impact of Being Dismissed by Healthcare Providers

As a patient advocate and author of How to Be a Badass in a Broken Healthcare System, I often find myself navigating the complexities of medical appointments with a sense of purpose. Yet, as I approach a new patient visit in the coming days, a familiar anxiety settles in. Despite my advocacy background, I can’t help but worry: What if he tries to take away my diagnosis? What if he writes a visit summary that contradicts our discussion? What if he doesn’t believe me?

These concerns aren’t just figments of my imagination; they’re rooted in a profound and lasting impact that many patients, including myself, have experienced. A recent study shed light on this issue, revealing how being misdiagnosed as having psychosomatic or mental health conditions can cause long-term damage to both physical and mental well-being.

The study found that patients who faced such misdiagnoses were more likely to experience higher levels of depression and anxiety, and lower mental well-being. Over 80% reported that it damaged their self-worth, and 72% stated that the misdiagnosis still upset them, often even decades later.

These findings resonate deeply with my own journey. The fear of not being believed or having my experiences invalidated is a trauma response that many patients endure. It’s a response rooted in a history of being misunderstood and dismissed, leading to lasting emotional scars.

As I prepare for my upcoming appointment, I remind myself of the importance of self-advocacy. It’s crucial to communicate openly with healthcare providers about past experiences and current concerns. Building a trusting relationship can help mitigate the anxiety that often accompanies medical visits.

To my fellow patients navigating similar fears: remember, your experiences are valid, and you deserve to be heard. Advocate for your health, seek providers who respect your narrative (and ditch the ones that don’t), and know that you’re not alone in this journey. Together, we can work towards a healthcare system that listens, understands, and supports all patients.

You can read the full study here.

If you need help managing your healthcare goals, please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation call with me here.