Gulf · UAE Digital
Hundreds of millions of people – roughly one in ten 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 to less than three months for men. We want to hear from women with autoimmune conditions: was your autoimmune condition misdiagnosed? skip past newsletter promotion after newsletter promotion Share your experience You can share your response using this form. Your responses, which can be anonymous, are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions.
We will only use the data you provide us for the purpose of the feature and we will delete any personal data when we no longer require it for this purpose. For alternative ways to get in touch securely please see our tips guide . Name Where do you live?
Tell us a bit about yourself (e.g. age, background, what you do) Optional Have you been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition? If so, which one(s)? Please include as much detail as possible.
Were you ever misdiagnosed? If so, how? What happened?
Please include as much detail as possible. How long was it between the onset of your symptoms and your diagnosis? Please include as much detail as possible.
How did misdiagnosis affect you – physically, mentally, financially, etc? Please include as much detail as possible. If you are happy to, please upload a photo of yourself here Optional Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB.
Choose file Phone number Optional Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Email address Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information.
They will only be seen by the Guardian. You can add more information here Optional If you include other people's names please ask them first. By submitting your response, you are agreeing to share your details with us for this feature.
If you’re having trouble using the form click here . Read terms of service here and privacy policy here .
Source: The Guardian
