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Medical Gaslighting: New Research Unveils the Struggles of Patients with Chronic Pain

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A growing body of research is shining an uncomfortable spotlight on the phenomenon of medical gaslighting—where healthcare professionals downplay, misattribute, or dismiss their patients’ pain—bringing renewed attention to a pervasive problem especially faced by women suffering from chronic gynecological pain conditions. This latest wave of studies, as described by experts in a recently published analysis on The Conversation, suggests that medical gaslighting is not only distressingly common but also deeply rooted in systemic gender bias, knowledge gaps in medical training, and persistent underfunding of women’s health research (The Conversation).

The phenomenon is particularly significant for Thailand, where social taboos often silence open discussions about sexual and reproductive health and where women might hesitate even more to seek medical help or advocate for themselves. With endometriosis and vulvodynia—two of the most common gynecological pain conditions—affecting as many as 1 in 10 women worldwide, the problem is hardly rare. Yet according to the latest research, a majority of women reporting chronic genital pain face skepticism in healthcare settings, with some being told to simply “relax” or made to feel their pain “is all in their head”.

Pain related to chronic gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis and vulvodynia, can be so severe that it interferes with the simplest daily tasks—sitting, cycling, or even wearing certain clothing. Intercourse and routine pelvic exams can be nearly impossible. Yet 2024 research from a U.S. clinic found that 45% of patients with vulvovaginal pain were told to “just relax,” 39% were made to feel “crazy,” and over half had considered giving up seeking care entirely. These numbers mirror a 2023 meta-synthesis which confirmed that many female pain patients hear the dismissive phrase, “It’s all in your head,” from their healthcare providers.

The insights from this research echo the stories of countless Thai patients who, according to public health workers and local advocacy groups, continuously move from doctor to doctor searching for answers, all too often without ever receiving a diagnosis. This enduring pilgrimage for recognition and treatment is not just a Western issue but resonates deeply across Asia, where cultural and gender norms further complicate the willingness of both patients and clinicians to address such “private” health matters openly (study on Asian women’s experiences).

The term “medical gaslighting” has gained traction as a descriptor for this pattern of patient dismissal. Rooted in centuries of gender bias—where women’s reproductive ailments were long labeled as psychosomatic or “hysterical”—medical gaslighting persists in today’s clinics. Freudian psychology once attributed female pain to psychological complexes; while these outdated views are no longer part of standard medical training, their legacy persists. As one patient in the recent U.S. study described, sex for her felt “like taking your most sensitive area and trying to rip it apart.” After successful treatment, another reported, “I can now wear any pants or underwear that I want with no pain. I never realized how much of a toll the pain took on my body every day until it was gone.” The recurring theme: the struggle to have pain recognized and validated is almost as draining as the physical suffering itself.

The cost of medical gaslighting goes beyond delay or denial of physical care. The psychological burden is profound—patients often wrestle with self-doubt, depression, anxiety, and even symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress. For many, repeated dismissal by clinicians erodes trust in the healthcare system and breeds reluctance to seek help in the future—a dangerous cycle, particularly acute in societies where family and community support for “invisible” conditions can be lacking. Thai mental health advocates have noted similar distress among local patients with conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic pelvic pain, which remain poorly understood and poorly treated in many settings (Bangkok Post).

A critical factor exacerbating gaslighting is the chronic shortage of research funding for women’s health. A January 2025 report from the U.S. National Academies heightened concerns by documenting that conditions predominantly affecting women—like endometriosis and vulvodynia—receive disproportionately less research funding than those affecting men. The situation has not improved: the proportion of U.S. funding allocated to women’s health has actually decreased over the past decade, and threatened cuts to major research initiatives could make matters worse. This global underfunding has parallels in Thailand, where research dollars for reproductive and pelvic pain conditions remain scant, according to local university researchers and non-profit health organizations (National Academies 2025 report).

The research also highlights serious disparities in the recognition and management of chronic pain, not just by gender but by race and class. A landmark 2016 study revealed that as many as half of surveyed white medical students in the U.S. held false beliefs about biological differences between Black and white patients—such as believing Black people have less sensitive nerve endings or thicker skin. These myths translate into undertreatment and dismissal of pain. Although Thailand’s social fabric is different, the local context reveals similar class-based disparities, with rural patients and ethnic minorities experiencing longer delays and fewer referrals for specialist care (Asia-Pacific pain management disparities).

Moreover, studies show that women are not only more likely to develop chronic pain conditions but also are more frequently perceived as exaggerating or misinterpreting their symptoms—leading even experienced clinicians (including female doctors) to underestimate women’s pain or prescribe mental health care instead of evidence-based pain treatments. In high-stress environments such as emergency rooms, these biases are magnified.

Modern medical consensus is clear: pain—especially chronic pelvic and vulvovaginal pain—is a legitimate medical condition with real, biological underpinnings. Yet dismissive responses, erroneous gender or racial stereotypes, and a lack of clear clinical pathways too often leave patients untreated. Thai gynecologists and educators have started to address this in recent conferences, urging more research, better training, and enhanced dialogue between doctors and patients (Thai Obstetricians’ Society 2024 guidelines).

Addressing medical gaslighting will require more than just incremental changes. Recent research underscores the need for a broad overhaul in clinical education, as well as confronting biases—conscious and unconscious—within the healthcare system itself. Medical schools, including those in Thailand, are being urged to incorporate modules that teach future clinicians to recognize gender and cultural biases, listen carefully to patients’ experiences, and refrain from dismissing symptoms for which answers are not immediately available. The power of truly empathetic listening cannot be underestimated, say experts quoted in The Conversation article: “Medical training needs to teach students to better listen to patients’ lived experiences and to admit when an answer isn’t known.”

For Thai patients and families navigating a healthcare system where deference to authority and social harmony are prized cultural values, advocating for one’s own health can be a daunting prospect. However, experts recommend practical steps to empower patients. These include self-education through books such as “When Sex Hurts: Understanding and Healing Pelvic Pain” and reputable online resources provided by organizations like the International Pelvic Pain Society. Connecting with peer support networks, both online and in-person, can also provide critical information and emotional backing.

For those offering support—family members, friends, or caregivers—listening compassionately, helping to document symptoms, and accompanying patients to appointments can help break the isolation and frustration that many endure. For Thai clinicians, the message is clear: recognize the complex nature of pain, acknowledge when more study or referral is needed, and resist the impulse to minimize or psychologize symptoms that lack an “easy” answer.

From a Thai cultural and historical perspective, the challenges of medical dismissal are not new. Traditional medicine practitioners have long debated the realities of chronic pain, often attributing mysterious symptoms to imbalances or spiritual causes. Today, the integration of Western biomedical knowledge with traditional Thai sensitivities offers an opportunity: by combining respect for patient narratives with evidence-based protocols, clinicians can help bridge the gap left by years of neglect and misunderstanding.

Looking forward, there is reason for cautious optimism. Increasing public awareness, pressure from women’s health advocates, and gradual improvements in research funding are pushing the global and Thai medical communities toward greater recognition of chronic pain conditions. Thailand’s major hospitals are beginning to offer more specialized pain management clinics and multidisciplinary care teams—including psychologists, pain specialists, and physical therapists—who can collaborate on complex and misunderstood conditions. Nevertheless, ongoing advocacy will be required to ensure that research funding keeps pace with real-world needs, and that every step of the patient journey—from primary care to specialist referral—is free from bias or dismissal.

For Thai readers, the actionable takeaway is clear: chronic pain is real, and persistent dismissal is unacceptable. If you encounter skepticism from your healthcare provider, consider seeking a second opinion, connecting with patient advocacy organizations, and proactively educating yourself via reputable medical resources. As the Thai medical community moves—albeit slowly—toward a more compassionate, evidence-based model of care, patients and families armed with knowledge and determination will remain essential drivers of change. For clinicians, listening deeply and believing patients’ lived experiences is a powerful beginning.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making decisions about your health.