Why do patients fib, lie, or omit the truth?
• Embarrassment – describing unpleasant symptoms may not be appropriate in normal social situations, but there are few things that your doctor has not seen, heard about, or even experienced themselves. • Fears of being judged – a doctor’s job is to treat your symptoms and help you get well – not to judge you for your behaviors. Doctors are human too and may empathize with your situation more than you might realize. • Fears of being reported for illegal behavior – although laws vary by state, there are few instances when a doctor may disclose your personal health information to another person without your written permission. (Again, depending on the state, some of these times might be in an emergency/if you are unconscious, with another physician for educational purposes if they do not reveal personally identifying information, or if your health is the reason for a legal proceeding, to name a few examples). • Forgetfulness – in some cases, omissions are the result of a genuine lapse in
