Shame stops patients disclosing health threats
Those in greatest need of help are the least likely to disclose, study shows
![Domestic violence](https://www.ausdoc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/domestic_violence_dreamstime_l_99229487-3.jpg)
Sheer embarrassment prevents many patients from telling their doctor about serious threats such as abuse or suicidality, a study shows.
Among 4500 adults in two surveys of non-disclosure, more than a quarter failed to tell their clinician — including doctors, nurses or physician assistants — that they had been sexually assaulted, abused, were depressed or had suicidal thoughts.