A study examining diagnostic practices for autoimmune conditions has revealed significant disparities in how women and men receive care, according to research published in the Lancet eClinicalMedicine journal. The investigation, conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge and University of East Anglia, analyzed data from more than 6,600 patients, predominantly female and based in the UK, who had been diagnosed with various autoimmune conditions.
The findings indicate that women experience higher rates of misdiagnosis attributed to psychiatric causes. Researchers found that 43% of women reported being told their condition stemmed from a psychiatric cause, compared with 33% of men. Additionally, 34% of women reported having symptoms misdiagnosed as psychosomatic—triggered or worsened by stress or anxiety—versus 22% of men. When accounting for variables such as age, disease group, continent, and household finances, women were determined to be 46% more likely to receive a psychiatric misdiagnosis and 74% more likely to receive a psychosomatic misdiagnosis than men.
Temporal delays in diagnosis also emerged as a notable concern. Men most frequently reported receiving a diagnosis within less than three months of symptom onset, while women most commonly experienced a one to two year period before diagnosis. The disparity extended to healthcare utilization, with women reporting more frequent consultations before reaching a definitive diagnosis.
The research team noted that while diagnostic challenges related to autoimmune conditions affect both sexes—as these conditions often present with symptoms common in the general population—females appeared to face additional disadvantages. Researchers suggested that historical medical biases positioning women as less credible reporters of symptoms than men may contribute to these patterns. Lead researcher Melanie Sloan emphasized that premature psychological or mental health explanations can cause lasting damage to patient trust in medical professionals and self-esteem. Experts stressed the importance of avoiding automatic psychological attributions and validating patient-reported symptoms.
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