When Experiencing Inequitable Health Care Is a Patient’s Norm, How Should Iatrogenic Harm Be Considered?

Abstract

Inequitable care and outcomes experienced by persons with mental illness have long been exacerbated by stigma expressed by clinicians. This commentary discusses a case, considers physical and psychological dimensions of iatrogenic harm to patients for whom inequitable health care is the norm, and suggests how psychological iatrogenic harm can be recognized and addressed by clinicians.