Individuals are sharing experiences of being disbelieved by healthcare professionals, a phenomenon described as medical gaslighting, which can lead to delayed diagnoses and permanent disabilities. Actors Daneka Etchells and Tom Wentworth, whose stories were highlighted, described prolonged struggles to have their conditions recognized.
Wentworth, who identifies as queer and disabled, reported that his symptoms were often initially attributed to his cerebral palsy rather than being thoroughly investigated. He stated that disabled individuals are often hyper-aware of their own bodies and should be trusted more by medical practitioners. Wentworth has sought recourse through his local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), with mixed results.
Etchells' experience involved a long-standing issue that began when she was 13, which she believes was not adequately addressed by doctors. She is now under a specialized endometriosis team that she feels does listen. However, she also revealed that she sometimes has to "medically gaslight" herself to manage neuropathic pain in her legs, a consequence of ligament damage, by pretending the pain is not present when unable to take strong medication due to work.
Healthwatch England, an organization advocating for patients, noted that the experiences of Etchells and Wentworth are not uncommon, particularly for conditions such as ADHD and endometriosis. William Pett, interim director of policy at Healthwatch England, stated that young people, women, and those in the LGBTQ+ community most frequently report feeling less likely to be listened to by healthcare professionals.
In response to these concerns, Healthwatch England has called for reforms to the NHS complaints system to provide patients with more timely and satisfactory resolutions. The NHS has also introduced Martha's Law, enabling patients, families, or carers to request a rapid review if a patient's condition worsens.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged medical gaslighting as a significant barrier, particularly for those with conditions like endometriosis, within its renewed Women's Health Strategy. The recently published Quality Strategy aims to establish clear standards for high-quality, respectful care for all patients, including those with disabilities. A spokesperson for the department affirmed that "Every patient deserves to be heard, believed, and treated with dignity," and that the 10-year Health Plan prioritizes the patient voice in NHS reforms.