Anamnesis (medical history)

Taking a medical history is the first and often the most important step in medical diagnosis. The doctor asks systematically what brought the patient in, how long the complaints have lasted, how they have developed, and which previous illnesses, operations, medications and allergies are present.

Types of medical history

• Self-reported history – the patient reports in their own words.
• Third-party history – relatives or the emergency services report instead, for example when the patient is unconscious or has dementia.
• Family history – illnesses among relatives, important for genetic risks.
• Social history – occupation, living situation, smoking, alcohol, exercise.
• Vegetative history – sleep, appetite, weight, bowel movements, urination.

Why it matters in medical school

History taking is practised in the first semesters of medical school, usually in medical psychology or in courses on doctor-patient communication. At many European universities with small group sizes, you practise it very early and directly at the bedside, because each teacher supervises far fewer students.