Lies in the doctor-patient relationship are common in every country including Anguilla.Hiding the truth, not wanting to disappoint the doctor, avoiding shame, judgment, criticism, or the doctor’s expected anger can have serious consequences. Withholding vital information or just not telling the truth can have both immediate and far-reaching consequences for your health.
Lying to your doctor
Many of us do not tell our doctor everything, for instance if we smoke cigarettes or drink more than we should. Or we may take that prescription from the doctor with no intention of ever filling it.HarvardMedicalSchoolresearchers in theUSAfound that more than one in five first-time prescriptions never got filled. (This was especially true for chronic conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.) Good communication is vital in any doctor-patient relationship, and confidentiality is the cornerstone of this relationship. All doctors are aware of the need for confidentiality and go at great lengths to safeguard their patient’s information.
With the Internet at our fingertips, many of us feel smarter than we did in the past. Many well-moderated online forums can be a great resource for helping people, with certain health concerns, get support and stay informed, but they are no substitute for a doctor’s advice. Finding a physician who you like and trust, and building a partnership with him or her overtime, is one of the best things you can do for your health.
What types of lies exist in clinical encounters?
Patients may minimize or exaggerate symptoms or avoid key clinical issues. Malingering (the conscious simulation or feigning of symptoms for secondary gain) is another form of lying frequently found in clinical settings. Patients, for example, lie about symptoms to obtain sick leave, disability or access to controlled medication or to avoid incarceration or other undesired legal consequences of their actions.
Consequences of lying to your doctor
Inaccurate reporting to your doctor could easily affect your doctor’s ability to get relief through proper diagnosis and treatment for a particular problem. A patient’s reaction to medication tells the physician something about the patient’s biology and clarifies the diagnosis.
Inaccurate reporting leads to inaccurate treatment not just for the patient, but for others with similar conditions or symptoms. If you fear telling your doctor the whole truth when you are face to face, consider writing him/her a note before you see him/her ALL the facts of your situation – whatever they are. You can certainly tell the doctor in the note that you have some fear or concern about telling him/her the whole truth. You might consider bringing a family member with you to explain certain issues that you are not comfortable talking about. An understanding physician will appreciate your concerns and your honesty.
Taking medications as prescribed
People stop taking their prescription medicationsfor a host of reasons: They do not like the side effects; they are feeling fine; the pills are too expensive; or they just forget. But it’s crucial that you be honest with your doctor about this so he/she can help you understand that stopping pills suddenly may have a dire outcome. Some, such as antidepressants, certain blood pressure medications, and corticosteroids, need to be tapered off. Stopping heart, blood pressure, or diabetes medicine can cause a dangerous return of symptoms. Antibiotics may make you feel better well before the pills are gone. Even if you just skip one or two pills, some bacteria might be left in your body and resist future antibiotic treatment down the line — not only for you but for the general population. Never stop taking medications on your own unless you have a sudden severe reaction like a rash, hives, shortness of breath, or facial swelling. Always call your doctor to report any side effects. If you cannot afford the pills, talk to your doctor about that, too. He/she may be able to prescribe something less expensive.
Using Birth Control
As women get closer to menopause it is easy for them to assume that their chances of getting pregnant are minimal, which may be why women over 40 have a tendency to skip birth control (and some 38 percent of pregnancies in women over 40 are unintended). Later-in-life pregnancies can be dangerous. There is a greater risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia, diabetes, and postpartum hemorrhage — as well as more C-sections. If you don’t want an unexpected pregnancy, you need to use reliable birth control until you hit menopause — meaning you haven’t had a period for a year.
Taking Supplements
It is vital that your doctor knows all the prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, as well as any nutritional or herbal supplements. Some supplements may contain unhealthy mega doses and others can cause interactions with medications. For instance, Saint-John’s-wort, an herbal supplement used for depression, may cause bleeding when combined with prescription blood thinners or make oral contraceptives less effective. Research shows that about three-quarters of patients are reluctant to tell their doctor they use complementary medicines but, to be safe taking them, you have to be honest with your doctor.
Seeing other providers
Some patients fail to tell their doctor that they have seen other health care providers. Many patients commonly feel embarrassed if they have seen other practitioners or medical healers. Not mentioning those things to your physician can be dangerous in terms of coordinating your care. Patients should tell their physician all pertinent information so that their health care is not compromised. All doctors are fully aware that patients go from one doctor to another, but what is more important is knowing the treatment/therapy that you received, and the outcome, so that duplications of treatment can be avoided.
Sexual history
Many patients, especially men, are reluctant to give a full and completely honest sexual history. When it comes to your sexual history or habits, being honest will only benefit both you and your partner. All patients should see a doctor who they feel is confidential and knowledgeable, and if they have a sexually transmitted infection be willing to give all the necessary information so that the correct diagnosis can be made.
Conclusion
Physicians are well aware that some patientsdo not always stick to the truth.
Overestimating, underestimating, embellishing orhiding the truth from your doctor can all have serious consequences. Patients who lie expose themselves to too little treatment or to unnecessary treatment, and might even get the wrong diagnosis. Patients are encouraged to always give their doctor as much information as possible in order to get the best treatment and prevent other health problems. Being open andhonest with yourself and with your doctor is important and, remember, if you hide the truth you always end up suffering.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over twenty nine years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
