Women With Autoimmune Diseases More Likely to Be Misdiagnosed Than Men

Women with autoimmune disease are also more likely to be misdiagnosed with mental health conditions than men. MementoJpeg/Moment/Getty Images A new study found that women with autoimmune diseases often take longer to get a correct diagnosis. The researchers added that women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with mental health conditions than men. Factors such as disease presentation, research gaps, fragmented care, and unconscious medical bias may contribute to these disparities. The researchers suggest that doctors should carefully consider autoimmune diseases, especially in women. It’s also important for people with autoimmune diseases to advocate for themselves. A new international study found that women with autoimmune diseases often experience longer delays in getting a correct diagnosis compared to men. The research, published in eClinicalMedicine on October 12, also shows that females report higher rates of being misdiagnosed, especially with mental health or psychosomatic conditions. These findings highlight challenges in diagnosing autoimmune diseases and suggest that sex differences affect patients’ experiences in healthcare. This is significant given that autoimmune di…

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