Autoimmune Misdiagnoses: Devastating Consequences of Being Disbelieved by Doctors

Cambridge, England – People who have been misdiagnosed with mental health issues instead of autoimmune diseases often face long-lasting emotional and physical consequences. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge revealed that receiving a misdiagnosis involving a mental health or psychosomatic label can lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and depression, with some individuals even experiencing suicidal thoughts or attempts.

The study, which involved over 3,000 participants, found that those who received a misdiagnosis often had lower trust in doctors, leading them to avoid seeking further medical help for fear of not being believed. These negative emotions and distrust towards medical professionals could persist for many years, causing deep psychological scars and impacting individuals’ overall wellbeing.

One of the most significant findings of the study was the long-lasting impact of being misdiagnosed with a mental health condition when in fact, the individual had an autoimmune disease. Many participants reported feeling upset and having their self-worth damaged as a result of these misdiagnoses, with over 70 percent still affected by the mislabeling.

The emotional toll of misdiagnosis can be particularly damaging when the symptoms first appear during childhood and are dismissed by doctors, as these feelings of being disbelieved can persist into adulthood. The study emphasized the importance of listening to and believing patients experiencing multiple invisible symptoms, as empathetic support and understanding can play a crucial role in emotional healing.

While doctors may not intentionally harm patients, the study highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to consider autoimmune diseases as a potential diagnosis when faced with a range of symptoms that do not seem to fit together. Misdiagnoses can have severe and long-lasting repercussions on patients, underscoring the importance of accurate and empathetic healthcare practices in addressing complex medical conditions.