Women With Autoimmune Diseases More Likely to Be Misdiagnosed Than Men

A recent international study has revealed that women with autoimmune diseases often face longer delays in receiving accurate diagnoses compared to their male counterparts. The research, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, highlights significant disparities in diagnostic experiences, particularly regarding misdiagnosis of mental health conditions.

Autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, are estimated to affect approximately 4.6% of the U.S. population. Interestingly, women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with these conditions. The study underscores the unique challenges women face in the healthcare system, including longer wait times for a correct diagnosis and a higher likelihood of being misdiagnosed.

To gather these findings, researchers conducted an online survey from December 2024 to March 2025, targeting adults aged 18 and older who had confirmed autoimmune or rheumatic diseases. The survey aimed to capture detailed information about participants’ diagnostic journeys, including the time it took from the onset of symptoms to receiving a diagnosis and the number of healthcare visits made prior to diagnosis.

The survey was designed with input from patients, medical professionals, and advocacy groups to ensure it was comprehensive and inclusive. Participants were also encouraged to share their experiences on social media and through various community organizations, allowing the researchers to reach a diverse audience, including underrepresented groups.

The results revealed that out of 6,607 participants, a significant majority identified as female. Notably, women reported longer diagnostic delays; nearly 32% experienced delays of four years or more, compared to about 26% of men. Furthermore, women were more likely to visit multiple healthcare providers before receiving a diagnosis, with 26.2% having 11 or more visits compared to 18.4% of men.

Misdiagnosis rates were particularly concerning. Roughly 43.3% of women reported their symptoms had been misattributed to mental health issues, compared to 32.7% of men. Additionally, 33.9% of women indicated their symptoms were labeled as psychosomatic, whereas only 21.5% of men faced similar misdiagnoses.

Experts suggest that these discrepancies may stem from several factors, including differences in how symptoms are presented, gaps in medical research, and unconscious biases in healthcare. Dr. Muhammad Qasim, a pulmonologist, emphasized that early symptoms of autoimmune diseases can be vague and fluctuate, complicating the diagnostic process.

The study’s authors urge healthcare providers to remain vigilant in considering autoimmune diseases, especially in women presenting with complex symptoms. They also encourage individuals experiencing persistent symptoms to advocate for themselves, maintain detailed symptom records, inquire about possible explanations for their conditions, and seek second opinions when necessary.

By addressing these issues and promoting awareness among healthcare providers, the hope is to improve diagnostic accuracy and ensure that individuals with autoimmune diseases receive the timely and appropriate care they need.