Patient confesses – lied to doctor

Why Do We Lie To Our Doctors?

I am the most health-conscious person in the world ? for the two weeks prior to my physical exam. I eat right, I get plenty of exercise, and I think positive thoughts. However, as soon as I leave the doctor’s office after the exam, I drive ? not walk ? to the deli down the street and eat whatever I want. It’s as if I “study” for my physical, then after I pass the test, I celebrate by undoing all that good stuff. Why do so many of us try to “cheat” on our tests like this? Why do we try to trick our doctors?

One of the most common things that people misrepresent ? not just to doctors but to everyone ? is their weight. When some people weigh themselves at the doctor’s office, they don’t just disrobe, they also take off their watches.

Sex is another area that people tend to wander away from the absolute truth. Doctors report that patients are reluctant to admit that they have any sexual problems. Depending on one’s gender, age, and self-image, people might either exaggerate or minimize how frequently they have sex. We spend our whole lives not being completely honest about sex, so I guess it’s not surprising that even though they’re adults in a doctor’s office, some people are still embarrassed about S-E-X.

If your doctor suggested that you cut back on alcohol a year ago, odds are that you’ll report that you are no longer drinking as much at your appointment this year. If you exercise once or twice a week, you’ll say you exercise twice a week. If you drink anywhere from two to six cups of coffee per day, you might say that you drink two cups. If you eat three strips of bacon every morning, you’re likely to fudge about that. And if you eat fudge every day, well, you get the point.

I think the main reason that we don’t always tell our doctors the whole truth and nothing but the truth is because of one of our most basic fears: WE DON’T WANT TO GET IN TROUBLE. We don’t want to be yelled at. We don’t want that authority figure to shake his or her head and make that disappointed face. So, sometimes when we’re with that person in the white coat, we become like children wanting to please their parents.

How do we as physicians help patients tell the truth? The first key is in our attitude (or at least how the patient perceives us). If we appear judgemental, then the patient will more likely lie. When we appear more accepting of the truth, then the patient will more likely tell us the truth.

We need studies on how to deliver advice. How should I get this patient to stop smoking, start exercising, etc? What are the magic words? What tone should I use? What body language induces healthy behavior?

Until we really understand this issue, we will continue our dance. We dance without touching. We each leave convinced that we are making progress. But how often do we make real progress?