The Genogram in (Psycho)Geriatrics: an Indispensable Tool

This article proposes a reflection on the use of the genogram in the management of (psycho)geriatric patients. Understanding family dynamics seems essential in the management of elderly patients, confronted with multiple changes in psychological, physical, social, financial aspects etc, and who present chronic complaints, despite multiple treatments and cares.

We realized a literature review based on articles dating from 2005 to 2023 and selected from following danabases: Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, Cairn, Psychinfo and Google. Used key words are "genogram", "family", "(psycho)geriatrics", "symptom".

Thanks to the analysis of the patient's symptomatology through the prism of relational and contextual dynamics, the genogram offers a reading grid on the family system. It allows us to understand the places and functions occupied by each person, their life story, relational issues, the open and hidden conflicts, their family and social representations… This is done by taking into account the context in which we meet a patient and his/her entourage. This reading grid also allows caregivers to avoid reproducing the same interactional modes in the care of the patient and his or her family, which makes it possible to fight against the chronicization of the symptom.

The creation and analyse of the genogram aim to offer another point of view, in relation to the management of complicated families and/or patients with chronic symptoms, without associated organic origins. The goal is to move away from a linear vision and causality (cause-consequence) to offer a systemic reading grid. This is in order to understand the various relational issues associated with these complex family and interactional dynamics.