Anamneesi

Anamneesi, or anamnesis, is the process by which a clinician gathers a patient’s medical history through a structured interview. In Finnish medical practice, the term anamneesi is used for the patient history; the concept is widely used in many languages as anamnesis. The term derives from Greek and means recollection or remembrance. The purpose is to understand the presenting problem, establish a timeline, and identify factors that influence diagnosis and treatment.

Typical components include history of present illness (onset, duration, progression, severity, and factors that worsen or relieve symptoms), past medical history (prior illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations), medications and allergies, family history, social history (lifestyle, occupation, tobacco or alcohol use), and a review of systems to screen for symptoms across organ systems. The history is obtained through patient-centered interviewing, using open-ended questions, active listening, and clarification as needed. Documentation is essential for continuity of care and future reference.

Anamnesis complements the physical examination and diagnostic tests, helping to form a differential diagnosis and to guide further investigations and treatment. Limitations include reliance on patient recall, communication barriers, language and cultural differences, cognitive impairment, and the possible need for collateral information from relatives or caregivers. In practice, the approach is adapted to setting—such as emergency, primary care, pediatrics, or psychiatry—and to individual patient needs, with attention to confidentiality and informed consent.