FAQS

What is a pedigree? What is a genogram?

A pedigree is a family tree that includes the family members and information about their health. A pedigree is similar to a genogram; however, it does not include the psychological factors included in a genogram.

You will often hear the terms genogram and pedigree used interchangeably. A genogram is a tool for tracking family history and relationships similar to a family tree. Genograms indicate gender, age, ethnic origin, health status, educational achievements, family relationships, social relationships, and emotional relationships, using a series of color-coded lines, shapes, and symbols.

What is a pedigree used for?

A pedigree is used by clinicians to track family history and to look for patterns or indications to help diagnose a patient.

How is a pedigree created?

Before creating a pedigree, it is important to gather the following information:

1. Write a list of all family members including parents, siblings (including half-siblings), children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
2. Write all of the known factors about each family member including health and medical history. Interviews with family members may be necessary to gather the information.
   • Current age or date of birth
   • Ethnic origin
   • Age at death for family members who have passed away
   • Height and weight (optional)
   • Diseases or medical conditions and age at diagnosis
   • Lifestyle risk factors like smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, etc.

​After you have collected the necessary information, it is time to create the pedigree. You can use the SmartArt graphics tool in Microsoft Word, a free online site like Progeny, or the U.S. Surgeon General's My Family Health Portrait tool. Check out the document in the Links & Files area below for further information on how to construct a pedigree.

References

National Human Genome Research Institute. (n.d). Family health history for patients and families. https://www.genome.gov/Health/Family-Health-History/Patients-Families

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, May 25). Family health history. https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/famhistory/index.htm