Hundreds of millions of people – roughly one in 10 globally – are affected by autoimmune conditions, diseases in which the immune system attacks the body instead of defending it. But according to a new study, there is a stark gender divide in how these conditions are diagnosed.
Research from Cambridge University and the University of East Anglia found women are 43% more likely than men to receive a psychiatric misdiagnosis, meaning an autoimmune issue is misdiagnosed as a psychiatric problem, and 74% more likely to receive a psychosomatic misdiagnosis, meaning symptoms are considered psychological or stress-induced rather than physical. Women also reported significantly longer periods between the onset of symptoms and receiving a diagnosis – one to two years, compared with less than three months for men.
We want to hear from women with autoimmune conditions: was your autoimmune condition misdiagnosed?
after newsletter promotion
You can share your response using this form.
If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.