When Autoimmune Disorders are Misdiagnosed as Psychosomatic
You know your body. You know when something’s wrong. But to hear a medical provider imply that the symptoms are “all in your head,” the harm may much deeper than hurt feelings. A recent Live Science article highlighted the serious consequences of misdiagnosing autoimmune disorders as psychosomatic—and they go far beyond a delayed diagnosis.
For many patients, the road to answers is already long and winding. Autoimmune diseases can trigger an array of symptoms—fatigue, pain, rashes, brain fog—many of them invisible. When those symptoms are dismissed as purely psychological, patients lose valuable time getting the right treatment and often carry lasting emotional scars. Being brushed off by a medical professional can fuel shame, self-doubt, and isolation. For some, that dismissal shapes their identity for decades.
One patient with lupus shared that at age 16, her doctor told her she had “too many symptoms for it not to be hypochondria.” She describes the statement as devastating, saying it negatively affected her mental health and sense of self well into adulthood. Another woman with multiple autoimmune conditions recalled, “One doctor told me I was making myself feel pain — I still can’t forget those words.” For her and many others, those words left deep scars, fueling anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
A recent study of more than 3,000 people with autoimmune diseases revealed a troubling pattern:
- Over 70% of patients misdiagnosed as having a psychosomatic condition—and not a real issue—said the experience still upset them years later.
- Over 80% reported that it damaged their self-worth.
- Many said it permanently eroded their trust in doctors, sometimes leading them to avoid care altogether.
It’s important to understand that autoimmune diseases are notoriously difficult to diagnose. Many symptoms overlap with other conditions, and lab tests don’t always provide clear answers. Unfortunately, some doctors jump too quickly to a psychosomatic explanation — especially if the patient has a long list of symptoms.
If you were misdiagnosed in Philadelphia and suffered harm because of delayed treatment, you may have legal options. Medical misdiagnosis can have lasting consequences, and holding healthcare providers accountable can help you get the justice and support you deserve. Be sure to contact one of Philadelphia’s top attorneys for misdiagnosis cases. In the last few years, almost every teaching hospital in the city of Philadelphia has paid 8-figure verdicts and settlements to clients of Tom Duffy.