Dynamics and Habits

Family Dynamics and Genogram

It is necessary to record the family dynamics, detailing with whom the patient lives, who works and what type of bond exists between the members.

The genogram is an essential graphic tool for this, which should be included in the clinical history (never in the psychological report). This chart represents the family structure over three generations.

It is constructed using specific symbology: squares for male figures and circles for female figures, and the figure representing the patient should be darkened or filled in to differentiate it.

The genogram allows to visualize dates of birth, deaths, marriages, divorces and the quality of relationships (conflictive, distant, intimate) by means of different types of lines.

Exploration of Psychobiological Habits

The assessment of psychobiological habits is crucial. Food (frequency, type of diet), consumption of substances such as alcohol or coffee (quantity and frequency), and sleep (hours, quality, presence of insomnia or nocturnal awakenings) should be explored.

Personal hygiene, hours dedicated to work, study and rest are also explored.

An important aspect to consult, once a good rapport has been established (generally after the first session), is sexual activity, understood not only as sexual intercourse, but also including self-exercise of sexual function (masturbation).

Summary

Family dynamics are recorded using the genogram, a graphic tool that represents three generations. It uses specific symbols to visualize the structure, key dates and quality of bonding relationships.

It is crucial to assess psychobiological habits, inquiring about the frequency and quality of food, the consumption of substances such as alcohol or coffee, and the patient's sleep hygiene.

After establishing a good rapport, sexual activity is explored, including masturbation. Daily routines of grooming, work and rest are also detailed to understand the lifestyle.