Psychological Effect of Medical Gaslighting on Female Patients: A Systematic Review

Medical gaslighting is a growing concern within healthcare systems, characterized by healthcare providers dismissing, downplaying, or attributing patients' reported symptoms to psychological causes without proper investigation. This phenomenon disproportionately affects women, particularly women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with chronic or invisible illnesses. This paper examines the psychological consequences of medical gaslighting experienced by female patients, emphasizing its impact on mental health and patient-provider trust. Through an analysis of both qualitative narratives and quantitative data, the study reveals that women who experience medical gaslighting are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These outcomes often stem from repeated invalidation, misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and a sense of helplessness in clinical interactions. Moreover, the erosion of trust in healthcare systems can lead women to delay seeking medical attention, self-diagnose, or disengage from traditional medical care altogether, increasing the risk of worsened health outcomes. The paper also explores the systemic and gendered dynamics that allow medical gaslighting to persist, including implicit bias in medical training, gender stereotypes about pain tolerance and emotionality, and the underrepresentation of women in clinical research. It argues that addressing this issue requires structural changes, such as comprehensive bias training for healthcare providers, improved communication protocols, and institutional accountability measures. Ultimately, this paper calls for a feminist reimagining of healthcare— one that centers patient voices, ensures equitable treatment across gender lines, and fosters environments of mutual respect and trust.