Women 74% More Likely to Have Autoimmune Symptoms Dismissed as Psychological
A new study of over 6,600 people with autoimmune conditions, mostly female and from the UK, found that women face longer waits for diagnosis and treatment, with 43% told their condition is psychiatric, compared to 33% of men
A study by the University of Cambridge and University of East Anglia has found that women with autoimmune conditions are up to 74% more likely than men to be told their symptoms are psychological or psychosomatic. The study, which included over 6,600 people with autoimmune conditions, mostly female and from the UK, highlights a stark gender divide in how doctors handle signs of these conditions.
The research found that 43% of women reported being told their condition was down to a psychiatric cause, compared to 33% of men. Additionally, 34% of women reported having symptoms misdiagnosed as psychosomatic, compared to 22% of men. Women are also 46% more likely to report having received a misdiagnosis after accounting for factors including age, disease group, continent, and household finances.
The study, published in the Lancet eClinicalMedicine journal, was led by Melanie Sloan, a researcher in the department of public health and primary care at Cambridge and UEA. The study included a diverse range of autoimmune conditions, with almost a quarter of the women having autoimmune thyroid disease, which can cause the gland to become underactive (Hashimoto’s disease) or overactive (Graves’ disease). One in seven women in the study had systemic lupus, which can cause tiredness, rashes, and muscle pain.
## Why it matters The findings of this study have significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune conditions. Hundreds of millions of people, about one in 10 globally, are affected by these conditions, which can cause a range of health issues including fatigue, muscle pain, and rashes. The delay in diagnosis and treatment can have long-lasting effects on women's health and well-being, including damage to their trust in doctors and their own self-esteem.
The study's results suggest that there is a need for greater awareness and understanding of autoimmune conditions among healthcare professionals, particularly when it comes to diagnosing and treating women. By recognizing the gender divide in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, healthcare professionals can work to provide more equitable and effective care for all patients, regardless of gender.
