Have You Experienced Medical Gaslighting?
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01/08
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Quiz: Medical Gaslighting
Yes, it’s happened at least once Yes, but not recently No, but a friend or family member told me it happened to them No, that hasn’t been my experience
Have you ever felt you were treated inappropriately in your doctor’s office because of your race, sexuality, or gender?
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Quiz: Systemic Racism & Your Health
According to a large 2021 survey, most Black adults in the U.S. have had at least one negative experience with a healthcare professional in the past. And around 40% say they’ve had to speak up to get proper care. A single negative experience can erode a person’s faith in the healthcare system and may make them less likely to reach out for regular preventive care.
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02/08
Yes, definitely Yes, but I just ignore them Sometimes, but not often No, I’ve never noticed that
Does your doctor relate your medical condition to bad habits, such as eating unhealthy foods?
Every year, fast food companies spend billions of dollars on advertising that disproportionately targets the Black community. And Black children in particular. In 2019, Black youths viewed 75% more fast food ads than their white peers. Eating habits developed in youth can stick with you for a lifetime. This may contribute to the higher rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in Black adults.
03/08
Yes, literally all the time Yes, but I just ignore them Sometimes, but not often No, I’ve never noticed that
Has your doctor ever made you feel your pain or symptoms were “all in your head” or only “minor” concerns?
Centuries of oppression and injustice have prevented most Black families in the United States from accumulating wealth over time. A staggering gap between Black and white households continues to this day. In 2019, the median wealth of Black households (half have more and half have less) was $24,100 — for white households, it was $189,100. Wealth inequality affects your health in a number of ways, limiting access to healthy food, quality medical care, safe and stable housing, quality education, and more.
04/08
Yes, definitely Yes, but I wouldn’t say often Not really, but I haven’t needed any No, they don’t and have strong opinions about it
Does your doctor provide you recommendations when seeking additional care or second opinions?
Research suggests that healthcare professionals located within majority Black and Hispanic neighborhoods tend to offer lower-quality medical care than providers located elsewhere. These areas are also less likely to have primary care providers and specialized resources. This lower level of care contributes to higher rates of preventable conditions.
05/08
Yes, definitely Yes, somewhat No, but they are open to learning No, not at all
Does your doctor understand that conditions can show up in different ways based on a person’s culture, background, and skin color?
Facing the everyday discriminations and microaggressions of a racist society is a major cause of stress for Black Americans of all ages. Roughly 8 in 10 say they have personally experienced this. Researchers have linked this stress to poorer health outcomes, including higher blood pressure, and poorer mental health.
06/08
Yes, definitely Yes, but not often Not really, but I haven't needed any No, not at all
Does your doctor’s office provide resources, such as financial assistance programs, when you experience hardship due to medical debt?
Despite recent advances, Black Americans are still more likely to be uninsured than white Americans. They’re also more likely to be in jobs that don’t offer insurance or provide enough coverage, leaving them with greater out-of-pocket expenses for things like prescription drugs. Whether you’ve had consistent access to affordable medication and preventive care throughout your life can significantly impact your long-term health.
07/08
Does your doctor understand and discuss how your physical environment may affect your health?
In the U.S., systemic racism and residential segregation influence where most people live. Black communities are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards like industrial pollution in the air and drinking water, which is linked to conditions like asthma and cancer. Communities affected by violence are also linked to poorer health outcomes — including the effects of emotional coping strategies like smoking and drinking. A lack of safe outdoor space for exercise and play can also have a profound impact on your health.
08/08
Yes, definitely Yes, somewhat No, but I think they'll be open to learning No, not at all
Are you comfortable discussing your culture, beliefs, and values and how they may influence your health decisions?
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In the past, Black Americans were terribly mistreated by the medical community. Whether or not you’ve heard stories from your parents or grandparents, you may have been exposed to a general attitude of mistrust in your community — an uneasiness passed down through the generations. Some people, particularly older adults, continue to be skeptical of the medical community. Unfortunately, this way of thinking can have real consequences, especially when people are hesitant to get services — like the COVID-19 vaccine — that could benefit their health.
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Remember that not everyone who gaslights intends it to be damaging or harmful. If you think you’re experiencing gaslighting from your doctor, consider having a conversation with this person. Let them know that you’re aware of their behavior and set limits on what you will and won’t accept. If you feel a conversation won’t improve or hasn’t improved their behavior, it may be time to look for another healthcare professional. Learn more information about medical gaslighting.
"Gaslighting" is a term used to describe a form of abuse that causes you to doubt your perception of reality. While most people consider gaslighting to be behavior related only to romantic relationships, it can also occur between co-workers and in a doctor-patient relationship. Medical gaslighting more commonly affects women and People of Color than other groups.
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You may not be experiencing any gaslighting from your medical care professional.
Occasional gaslighting
You may be experiencing occasional gaslighting from your medical care professional.
Frequent gaslighting
Remember that gaslighting is not your fault. Staying in any relationship where gaslighting exists can affect your physical and mental well-being. If you think you’re experiencing gaslighting from your doctor, consider having a conversation with this person. Let them know that you’re aware of their behavior and set limits on what you will and won’t accept. If you feel a conversation won’t improve or hasn’t improved their behavior, it may be time to look for another healthcare professional. Learn more information about medical gaslighting.
You are likely experiencing gaslighting from your medical care professional.
