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The Psychological Impact of a Medical Misdiagnosis

Woman laying in bed upset about a medical misdiagnosis

Receiving a medical misdiagnosis can be a heartbreaking experience. Even the slightest mistake or inaccuracy can intensely affect your well-being.

The team at the Law Offices of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. looks at the psychological impact of receiving a medical misdiagnosis and how you may cope with it.

The Effects of Stress and Anxiety on Your Mental Health

Receiving a medical misdiagnosis can take an emotional toll due to the amount of stress and anxiety it can cause. Stress and anxiety often go hand-in-hand, leading to prolonged depression, irritability, fatigue, and restlessness. If left unchecked and unmanaged, this can have a significant impact on your mental health as well as physical well-being, as it’s been found that too much stress or anxiety can lead to an increased risk of physical illnesses like hypertension and heart disease.

Recognizing Trauma Symptoms After a Misdiagnosis

It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of trauma following a misdiagnosis so that appropriate steps can be taken to address the emotional impact of this event. These symptoms include:

  • Feeling disconnected;
  • Difficulty sleeping;
  • Emotions of shame and guilt;
  • Heightened anxiety; or,
  • Becoming withdrawn from social activities.

It is also beneficial to seek professional support, if needed, as soon as possible to work through any emotional distress caused by receiving a misdiagnosis.

Dealing With Grief and Loss Following a Medical Error

The psychological pain and grief from a medical mistake can be profound and life-altering. It is common to feel overwhelmed, confused, frustrated, or even angry at both the medical field and yourself as you grieve the lost opportunities that could’ve been had you received an accurate diagnosis sooner. During this time, reaching out to friends and family for support is essential, as is seeking counseling and taking steps to help healthily process emotions.

Additionally, becoming informed about your rights may provide comfort in seeking justice or compensation for the error. Dealing with feelings from a medical mistake can be traumatic, but there will soon come times of hope when healing begins.

Let an Attorney Help You Get Justice After a Medical Misdiagnosis

A medical misdiagnosis can have an incredibly detrimental effect on both physical and emotional well-being. An experienced attorney will know to hold an at-fault doctor accountable for their negligence and help you get the compensation you deserve.

With the Law Offices of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. advocating for your rights, you may be able to claim damages from the medical costs associated with a misdiagnosis, along with intangible items such as pain and suffering. Our Orlando attorney, who is also a medical doctor, can also assist in evaluating available evidence to build your case and represent you in court if needed. Having legal representation when dealing with a potentially life-changing event like a misdiagnosis can offer financial and emotional relief during this difficult time. Contact the Law Offices of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. to get the justice you deserve. (407) 305-6088

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