A ‘chasm of misunderstanding and miscommunication’ often occurs between clinicians and patients, leading to autoimmune diseases like lupus and vasculitis being wrongly diagnosed as psychiatric or psychosomatic conditions. This can result in a profound impact on patients, including negative feelings, self-worth issues, and damaged trust in healthcare services.
A recent study involving over 3,000 participants found that these misdiagnoses were often associated with long-term impacts on patients’ physical health and wellbeing. Patients who reported being misdiagnosed with autoimmune diseases also experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety, lower mental wellbeing, and a loss of self-worth.
Researchers are calling for greater awareness among clinicians to diagnose autoimmune rheumatic diseases more effectively. They also advocate for targeted support to reduce the long-term negative impacts on patients’ lives. This includes discussing previous misdiagnoses with patients, empathizing with their experiences, and offering tailored care.
Clinicians acknowledge that diagnosing these conditions can be challenging, but they emphasize the importance of educating themselves about autoimmune diseases and considering systemic autoimmunity when assessing patients. By doing so, they aim to reduce misdiagnoses and minimize the harm caused by incorrect diagnoses.
The study’s findings have significant implications for patients with chronic diseases often misunderstood or initially misdiagnosed. By promoting greater awareness and understanding among clinicians, researchers hope to improve patient care and reduce long-term negative impacts on mental and emotional wellbeing.
Source: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/chronic-diseases-misdiagnosed-as-psychosomatic-can-lead-to-long-term-damage