Family Tree
and Genograms
Saudi Diploma in Family Medicine
Center of Post Graduate Studies in Family Medicine
Dr. Zekeriya Aktürk
zekeriya.akturk@gmail.com
www.aile.net
1 / 13
Objectives
• At the end of this presentation, the
participants should be able to;
–
–
–
–
–
–
Describe the genogram
List the components of a genogram
Discuss the indications for a genogram
Describe the family circle
Apply the family genogram in practice
Apply the family circle in practice
2 / 13
Definition
• GENOGRAM = GENETIC MAP
• Also known as family tree but has
additional features.
• It visualizes hereditary patterns and
psychological factors that punctuate
relationships. It can be used to identify
repetitive patterns of behavior and to
recognize hereditary tendencies.
3 / 13
Importance
• Most important reasons for disease
– Genetic factors
•
•
•
•
–
–
–
–
Autosomal
X dependent
Co-dominant
Multifactorial
Environmental
Nutrition
Exercise
Risky life styles
4 / 13
5 / 13
6 / 13
http://www.genogram-analytics.com/sample-genograms/standard-symbols
Jacqueline
7 / 13
The components of a genogram
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Should contain 3 or more generations
All family members
Birth dates or ages
Death dates and reasons
Significant diseases
Members sharing the same housing
Marriages and separations
All children starting first one from the left
Key to the symbols used
Ergonomic components
8 / 13
Benefits
1. Allows fast evaluation of the family
2. Helps to communicate with other health
professionals
3. Turns the patient into a bunch of information
4. Allows comparison of risk factors with other
parameters
5. Allows early detection of high risk patients
6. Is useful in the patient education
9 / 13
10 / 13
Family Circle
• It’s a way to see the behavioral relationships
within a family from the perspective of a family
member.
• The patient is asked to show family members
starting from the closest one.
• All family members, friends, even pets should be
shown on the circle.
• Date of the drawing should be mentioned. The
family circle may be repeated after some time.
11 / 13
01.11.2001
12 / 13
Indications for genogram
1.
2.
3.
4.
Recurrent medical problems
Uncooperative patients
Somatization
Psychosomatic disorders (anorexia, obesity,
asthma, diabetes…)
5. Family problems (separation, divorce…)
6. Substance abuse
13 / 13