The authors present the genogram as a clinical work tool for the health professional. Based on systemic theory, the genogram provides a psychosocial analysis of the patient's context, family and disease. As a relational map, it delivers a view of the family context and works as the patient's psychosocial "x-ray". This tool is suggested for purposes of clinical practice and there are examples of clinical cases in which it has already been applied. The authors conclude that this tool makes it easier to identify stressor factors in the family context and shows the kind of relationship that has been established between them and the health and disease process. This tool also provides evidence of transgenerational disease patterns as well as psychosocial support networks present in that context, in addition to facilitating the application of more adequate therapeutic strategies.
Medical psychology; Medical education; Family therapy; Family health; Family relation; Professional practice
