Medical Gaslighting and its Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Bibliographic Data

ID8135545
AuthorsKryss Shane (University of San Diego), Anthony D Slonim (0000-0001-9351-2934, Carilion Clinic, corresponding author)
Year2026
Publication date2026-02-04
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2196-8837 • E-ISSN: 2197-3792
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s40615-026-02850-1
PMID41639399
OpenAlexW7127648254
LanguageEN
References cited12

Medical gaslighting , defined as the minimization or dismissal of a patient’s symptoms by healthcare providers, has gained increasing visibility, particularly among marginalized populations. This phenomenon disproportionately impacts individuals facing systemic inequities related to race, gender and class, effects that are compounded at the intersection of these identities. Medical gaslighting contributes to misdiagnosis, delayed care, emotional distress, and long-term mistrust in healthcare systems. Through an intersectional framework and illustrative case studies, this paper examines how implicit bias, structural racism, and the historical mistreatment of marginalized groups contribute to the erasure of patient experiences. The emotional and psychological toll of medical gaslighting further exacerbates existing health disparities. To address this issue, we explore strategies including provider education on implicit bias, expanded patient advocacy, and policy reforms aimed at promoting health equity. These interventions are critical for restoring trust and improving health outcomes, particularly for those most vulnerable to systemic healthcare neglect

Dismissal · Double jeopardy · Health care · Intersectionality · Phenomenon · Psychological intervention · Toll · Unintended consequences · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Healthcare Systems and Challenges · Racial and Ethnic Identity Research

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Open DOIOpen Access