Introduction

The right to express an opinion without constraint is globally a well-known concept. It necessitates freedom, individuality, and autonomy. This right has been expressed in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; one of the most ratified human rights treaties in the world. The right to an opinion is inherent and finds its application in everyday life ranging from places like social gatherings, schools, and even hospitals. However, in the latter, the right to an opinion, sometimes, meets the dreaded medical gaslighting phenomenon. Medical gaslighting occurs when a healthcare professional or a doctor, denies or downplays a patient’s symptoms, and attributes them to a misconception or a psychological condition. This occurrence reveals the viewpoint that sometimes medical professionals can be dismissive and this can lead to a terrifying misdiagnosis.  Critically speaking, their dismissiveness decelerates the right to an opinion that patients have and even makes the latter retreat back into their shells and assume that the doctor knows best. Do they though? 

Signs of Medical Gaslighting

Although often done unconsciously, there are several glaring indications of medical gaslighting. They include:

• Lack of empathy shown by the medical professional. This is the state of being indifferent or insensitive to the patient’s symptoms.
• Dismissiveness of the patient’s growing concerns.
• Intentionally interrupting and laughing at the patient, the latter who is trying to explain his/her symptoms.
• Allowing underlying prejudice, which negatively affects diagnosis. This underlying bias often includes race, gender, and environmental concerns.

How to Avoid Medical Gaslighting

Now that medical gaslighting has been identified, it is important to bear in mind how to avoid this occurrence. The steps to be taken into consideration are as follows:

• Jot down symptoms and concerns you have about your medical condition. Do not try to self-diagnose, but have a clear and expressly written down understanding of how you feel to better explain it to your doctor. 
• Find a trusted medical personnel to confide in. It is always important to find a doctor who is willing to listen to your concerns, not from a point of exerting authority or demonstrating intelligence condescendingly, but one with the desire to assist you right up to the point of your full recovery.
• It is also advisable to get the opinion of another person to ensure that you are on the right track.

Conclusion

Medical gaslighting is real and evident in almost every society. This does not intend to show that the patient is always right, it simply implies that the patient has the right to their opinion too. Their opinions are valid and should be heard regardless of societal prejudices.