Women ‘more likely to be told autoimmune conditions are psychological’
A study from the University of Cambridge and the University of East Anglia found that women with autoimmune conditions are significantly more likely to be misdiagnosed with psychological issues. These patients often face longer wait times for accurate medical treatment.
Why it matters
This highlights systemic gender bias in healthcare, which can lead to delayed treatment and long-term psychological damage for female patients.
Almost a quarter of the women surveyed had autoimmune thyroid disease with an underactive or overactive thyroid. Almost a quarter of the women surveyed had autoimmune thyroid disease with an underactive or overactive thyroid. Women's health Women ‘more likely to be told autoimmune conditions are psychological’ Cambridge University study suggests stark gender divide in misdiagnosis, with women also waiting longer for treatment
Prefer the Guardian on Google Women with autoimmune conditions are up to 74% more likely than men to be told their symptoms are psychological or psychosomatic, and face much longer waits for a diagnosis and treatment, a study suggests.
Hundreds of millions of people – about one in 10 globally – are affected by autoimmune conditions, which can cause a range of health issues including fatigue, muscle pain and rashes.
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