88: When “It’s Just Anxiety” Isn’t the Truth – The Hidden Physiology of Medical Gaslighting with Dr. Aaron Hartman

Could your “anxiety” actually be a hidden medical condition like POTS or hormonal imbalance that’s been overlooked or misdiagnosed?

In this insightful minisode, Dr. Aaron Hartman explores the reality of medical gaslighting — a common yet deeply overlooked issue where physical symptoms are dismissed as “just anxiety” or “psychological.” Drawing from real clinical experience, he sheds light on the hidden physiological causes behind these often-minimized symptoms, especially in women.

Dr. Hartman explains how conditions like dysautonomia and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) can masquerade as anxiety, causing dizziness, heart palpitations, and low blood pressure fluctuations. He also examines how hormonal cycles, gut health, and neurotransmitter balance play critical roles in mood and energy regulation.

The episode reminds listeners that true healing starts with being heard—and that understanding your own physiology is one of the most powerful forms of advocacy.

🔑 Key Insights

• Common symptoms like anxiety, dizziness, and fatigue may have physiological—not psychological—roots.
• Dysautonomia and POTS are often missed causes of anxiety-like symptoms.
• Women’s hormonal fluctuations and monthly cycles can reveal key diagnostic clues.
• The gut-brain connection plays a major role in emotional and neurological health.
• Dismissive care delays diagnosis—patients must advocate for full evaluations and second opinions.
• Medical gaslighting disproportionately affects women and those with complex, multi-system conditions.
• Future episodes will explore gaslighting in obesity care and other misunderstood conditions.

Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman & Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine

Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/

YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD