A new international study has found that 43 per cent of women with autoimmune diseases were told their symptoms were linked to psychiatric or psychological problems. Researchers warn that gender bias in healthcare may delay correct diagnosis and treatment for women.
An international study involving 6,600 patients has revealed that women with autoimmune diseases are more likely than men to have their physical symptoms misdiagnosed as psychiatric or psychosomatic conditions. The study was led by researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of East Anglia and published on October 12 in The Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine.
The researchers also found that women were more likely to experience delays in receiving an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The findings highlight concerns about gender bias and the challenges women face when seeking medical help.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis can cause fatigue, pain, sleep problems and low mood. Since these symptoms can have several causes, identifying the underlying disease can be difficult.
According to the study, 43 per cent of female participants reported that their autoimmune symptoms had been wrongly attributed to psychiatric causes. Some patients were also told that psychological factors were worsening their physical symptoms.
Co-author Shaista Tayabali said the difference between men and women was significant. She noted that women still struggle to have their symptoms believed and correctly addressed, suggesting that historical gender biases continue to affect medical diagnosis.
Melanie Sloan from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Public Health and Primary Care said psychological explanations may sometimes be given too quickly. She added that women could be particularly vulnerable to this type of misdiagnosis.
To understand patients’ experiences beyond medical records, researchers worked with patients, charities and clinicians. Participants shared information about their symptoms, medical consultations, diagnoses and the different explanations they received before their autoimmune disease was identified.
Professor David D’Cruz, a consultant rheumatologist at Guy’s Hospital, stressed that psychiatric conditions should not be dismissed entirely. Patients can have both autoimmune and mental health conditions, and some autoimmune diseases can directly affect the brain.
He urged doctors to consider underlying autoimmune diseases when symptoms persist, change or affect multiple parts of the body, while listening carefully to patients.
The researchers hope the findings will encourage more careful assessments and help reduce diagnostic delays, particularly among women.
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