SOURCE: People with long COVID continue to experience medical gaslighting more than 3 years into the pandemic by Simran Purewal, Kaylee Byers, Kayli Jamieson, Neda Zolfaghari
Summary:
Synopsis: As the SARS-CoV-2 virus persists, so do the symptoms of long COVID for many patients. Despite increasing awareness, individuals with long COVID continue to encounter medical gaslighting, hindering their access to care and support. This article delves into the challenges faced by long COVID patients and proposes strategies to address the issue.
Main Points:
- Lingering Effects of Long COVID: Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection, affects around 15% of adults, presenting diverse and fluctuating symptoms.
- Medical Gaslighting: Patients often face dismissal or blame for their symptoms from healthcare practitioners, leading to stigma, eroded trust, and barriers to treatment.
- Impact on Patient Well-being: Gaslighting exacerbates psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, and impedes access to specialists or long COVID clinics.
- Gender and Racial Biases: Women and racialized individuals are disproportionately affected by medical gaslighting, further amplifying disparities in care.
- Addressing Barriers to Care: Strategies include educating physicians on long COVID, raising public awareness, and ensuring accessible information through diverse channels.
- Role of Community Support: Collaborative efforts between public health organizations and communities can foster awareness, reduce stigma, and improve mental health support for patients and caregivers.
While efforts to address long COVID are underway, medical gaslighting remains a significant barrier to compassionate care. Educating healthcare professionals, raising awareness, and ensuring accessible information are crucial steps towards supporting long COVID patients and fostering inclusive, evidence-based care.
Long Covid The Answers
Credible Source:
People with long COVID continue to experience medical gaslighting more than 3 years into the pandemic by Simran Purewal, Kaylee Byers, Kayli Jamieson, Neda Zolfaghari
