If we become concerned about you or anyone else while using one of our services, we will act in line with our safeguarding policy and procedures. This may involve sharing this information with relevant authorities to ensure we comply with our policies and legal obligations.
Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Negative language - doctor

katwater51
Scope Member Posts: 35 Connected
I have just been described in a doctor’s report as “emotional” and having “sub-optimal mental resilience.” This is because I got upset (once, briefly) during the appointment when I was describing trying to manage exhaustion, pain, limited mobility, medical appointments and work. Does anyone else think this language is negative? Particularly as a woman being called “emotional” has negative connotations. (It’s like when victorian doctors used to call women “hysterical.”) Also Ive been told my counsellors and pain psychologists that I’m a really resilient person. One of them told me she was amazed by my strength in dealing with constant pain.
Comments
-
Hi,I don`t think it`s negative; the Dr has recorded his observations. The word "emotional" doesn`t have negative connotations at all; everyone, including men (who you chose to rule out of your example) get emotional in front of the Dr. I was very emotional in front of my Dr some years back - and was subsequently diagnosed with depression.Being able to deal with pain doesn`t necessarily contradict displays of emotion. Many people can cope with their pain but they are still emotional at times.I think sometimes the state of mind of a person can cloud reality. It certainly does for me; if someone "flicks my switch" then no matter how innocent something is I can see it in a totally different light.Andy
-
Hi @CartiniI see what you’re saying, but you as a person seem to already understand and have knowledge about pain conditions. Whereas the people that this report is going to be read by have no knowledge.For example, you said above“Being able to deal with pain doesn`t necessarily contradict displays of emotion. Many people can cope with their pain but they are still emotional at times.This demonstrates your knowledge.But the people who will be reading the report have no background knowledge, They are going to read what the doctor has written as a criticism of me. They’re going to read it, as saying that I personally lack fortitude or some other characteristic, for example bravery.
Ill give you an example. This doctor could have written the same information in a more objective way:
“Once during the appointment, the patient became distressed. This indicates low mood is a known comorbidity with conditions involving debilitating pain. It’s a well-known secondary condition.”That would be different. But he hasn’t said that. And sadly the people who are going to be reading the report don’t know what you know. -
katwater51 said:Hi @CartiniI see what you’re saying, but you as a person seem to already understand and have knowledge about pain conditions. Whereas the people that this report is going to be read by have no knowledge.For example, you said above“Being able to deal with pain doesn`t necessarily contradict displays of emotion. Many people can cope with their pain but they are still emotional at times.This demonstrates your knowledge.But the people who will be reading the report have no background knowledge, They are going to read what the doctor has written as a criticism of me. They’re going to read it, as saying that I personally lack fortitude or some other characteristic, for example bravery.
Ill give you an example. This doctor could have written the same information in a more objective way:
“Once during the appointment, the patient became distressed. This indicates low mood is a known comorbidity with conditions involving debilitating pain. It’s a well-known secondary condition.”That would be different. But he hasn’t said that. And sadly the people who are going to be reading the report don’t know what you know.Excellent counter-argument and I agree with your point of view.Andy
Brightness
Categories
- All Categories
- 12.8K Start here and say hello!
- 6.5K Coffee lounge
- 33 Games room
- 422 Cost of living
- 4.4K Disability rights and campaigning
- 1.9K Research and opportunities
- 209 Community updates
- 9.1K Talk about your situation
- 2.1K Children, parents, and families
- 1.5K Work and employment
- 784 Education
- 1.6K Housing and independent living
- 1.4K Aids, adaptations, and equipment
- 609 Dating, sex, and relationships
- 370 Exercise and accessible facilities
- 756 Transport and travel
- 30.3K Talk about money
- 4.2K Benefits and financial support
- 5.1K Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- 16.3K PIP, DLA, and AA
- 4.6K Universal Credit (UC)
- 6.2K Talk about your impairment
- 1.8K Cerebral palsy
- 854 Chronic pain and pain management
- 156 Physical and neurological impairments
- 1.1K Autism and neurodiversity
- 1.2K Mental health and wellbeing
- 322 Sensory impairments
- 815 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions
Complete our feedback form and tell us how we can make the community better.