Why Doctors Telling Patients Their Symptoms Are “Normal” Can Backfire

When patients discuss their symptoms with their doctors, receiving reassurance that these symptoms are "normal" may discourage them from seeking treatment. A study from the University of California San Diego found that using "normalizing language" from physicians can deter patients from seeking further medical care. In 14 experiments, researchers found that participants who read healthcare provider descriptions of symptoms as "normal" were less likely to pursue further treatment than those who heard providers describe symptoms as not normal.

This counterintuitive effect was not anticipated by the doctors involved in the study. Doctors typically believe that normalizing symptoms reflects their common occurrence, but patients may interpret this as a lack of concern or urgency. Two alternative scripts designed to improve communication were effective in bridging the gap.

One script encouraged treatment explicitly, while the other clarified that "normal" is merely a statistical designation and that many ways exist to manage common symptoms. While doctors should continue reassuring patients, it is crucial for them to make their intentions clear.