Mental Illness Symbol
A symbol with the left half filled or specific color indicates mental illness
Standard genogram notation for mental illness symbol
How to Use This Symbol
Used to track psychiatric conditions across family generations
When to Use the Mental Illness Symbol
The mental illness symbol is an essential part of standard genogram notation. Proper use of this symbol helps ensure your genogram can be understood by other clinicians, researchers, and family members.
Best Practices
- Always use consistent symbol sizes throughout your genogram
- Place symbols in the appropriate generational row
- Include relevant dates and information near the symbol
- Use standard line connections to show relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the mental illness symbol represent in a genogram?
A symbol with the left half filled or specific color indicates mental illness
When should I use the mental illness symbol?
Used to track psychiatric conditions across family generations
Is the mental illness symbol standardized across all genograms?
Yes, the mental illness symbol is part of widely used genogram notation, based on the conventions described by Monica McGoldrick, Randy Gerson and colleagues. Using consistent symbols helps clinicians, researchers and family members read your genogram the same way.
How do I document mental illness symbol in family history?
To document mental illness symbol, apply the appropriate marking or shading to the individual's symbol (square for male, circle for female). Include dates of diagnosis if known, and connect patterns across generations to identify hereditary or environmental factors.
Create Your Genogram
Use the mental illness symbol and all standard symbols with our intuitive genogram creator.
Download for iPhone, iPad & MacGenogram notation based on the conventions described by McGoldrick, Gerson and Petry in Genograms: Assessment and Treatment (W. W. Norton). Genogram Creator is an independent app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the authors or the publisher.