Last update:
25-Jul-2025

This narrative review explores the concept of medical gaslighting and its potential impact on patient safety such as missed −delayed– lack of diagnosis, delayed treatment and poor health outcomes, as a result of healthcare professionals failing to effectively interact with their patients. Gaslighting has been recognized as a type of emotional and psychological abuse that does not involve physical harm rather makes the victim feeling fear, isolated or controlled. Perpetual lies and mistruths, reality manipulation, scapegoating and coercion are the main techniques used by gaslighters to impose confusion and turmoil in gaslightees. Medical gaslighting is an insidious form of manipulation, which can have serious consequences. Gaslighters exhibit comparable traits to individuals with narcissistic or antisocial personality disorders, aiming to gain validation and boost their authority. Individuals who are overweight, elderly, experiencing mental or physical health issues, identifying as female, or belonging to LGBTQIA+ or BIPOC communities may be more susceptible to experiencing medical gaslighting. Identifying medical gaslighting is important to prevent misdiagnosis and improve healthcare. Enhanced patients' empowerment is closely linked with improved health outcomes, overall well-being, effective self-care, enhanced health status and quality of life. Patients' activation necessitates patients to possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and self-assurance to take charge of their health and comprehend their role in the care process. Patient-centred care, which involves promoting effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals, sharing evidence-based information to inform patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team about treatment options, and engaging in shared decision-making, decreases the likelihood of medical gaslighting.

Key words: Abuse, Healthcare professionals, Healthcare setting, Manipulation, Medical gaslighting.