When Medical Industry and Doctors Gaslight Patients: An Unrecognized Form of Bullying

Introduction to Gaslighting in Healthcare

Almost every social partition we encounter can turn into a form of bullying. The pervasive nature of bullying extends even to close relationships and professional environments. One particularly insidious form is gaslighting, where the perpetrator manipulates the victim into questioning their own sanity and reality. This article delves into the prevalence of gaslighting in the medical industry and its impact on patients and healthcare professionals.

The Prevalence of Gaslighting in Nursing Academia

Gaslighting is not just a tool used by bullies in general society. It has found its way into the academic and professional environment of nursing, as evidenced by a study titled “Gaslighting in nursing academia: A new or established covert form of bullying” published in July 2021. According to this study, gaslighting in nursing academia is gaining notoriety and is becoming more recognized.

The study highlights that identifying the behaviors associated with gaslighting is challenging because of its subtle nature. Traditional tools and models used to identify bullying and horizontal violence are not sufficient to detect these subtler forms.

Characteristics and Tactics of Gaslighting in Healthcare

Gaslighters in the healthcare setting often use tactics such as perpetual lies, mistruths, vexatious complaints, and the withholding of positive reinforcement. These actions are designed to create confusion and chaos for the victim. Examples include:

Pervasive and consistent lying to mislead the victim about their condition or care outcomes Using blame and coercion to control the victim Traumatizing the victim with frivolous and vexatious complaints Repeated use of tactical silence and withholding of positive reinforcement to confuse and undermine the victim’s confidence

The psychological harm caused by gaslighting in healthcare can be severe. Patients experiencing gaslighting may develop self-doubt, hypervigilance, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation. In extreme cases, physical stress can lead to a range of health complications.

The Impact of Gaslighting on Patients

The truth is that gaslighting in the medical industry is more than just a form of bullying; it is a form of mental and emotional abuse that can have lasting impacts on a patient's well-being. Unlike a physical altercation, gaslighting can happen in the guise of a professional duty or even with the guise of good intentions. Patients' autonomy, trust, and mental health are all at stake.

For example, a doctor gaslighting a patient by disregarding their symptoms could lead to delayed or even missed diagnoses. This can be particularly harmful in conditions that require immediate medical intervention. A patient's trust in the healthcare system and the medical profession can erode, leading to a profound sense of mistrust and fear.

Consequences and Awareness

The consequences of gaslighting in healthcare are severe, both for the individual and for the profession as a whole. Patients who experience gaslighting may either adhere to the perpetrator's behavior or leave the healthcare system, often in a state of confusion and disbelief. This has led to a crisis of trust within the medical community.

Education and training are crucial in addressing this issue. Healthcare professionals need to be trained to recognize and prevent gaslighting behaviors. Additionally, raising awareness among patients about the signs of gaslighting can empower them to seek help and further protect themselves in such situations.

Conclusion

Gaslighting in the medical industry is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. It is not just a subtle form of bullying; it is a betrayal of the trust that patients place in their healthcare providers. Addressing this issue can improve the overall quality of care and the professional and personal well-being of healthcare workers and patients alike.

Keywords: medical gaslighting, doctor bullying, patient harassment, covert bullying in healthcare, nursing academia