Question

What can be gained from oral history that is missing in other types of sources?

Answer 1

In developing a diagnostic case history of a patient, taking oral history or the patient’s self report about his/her past experiences from childhood to the present, plays a significant part in gathering unique information which would otherwise not be reflected in the mental health tests, medical test reports, etc. for instance, the medical health professional can gain access to valuable information about causal factors such as any severe and prolonged illness during infancy, the nature of care or abuse experienced from the primary caregiver, in making an assessment about the type and severity of the disorder and accordingly use the biographical information in planning the adequate therapeutic model for the patient’s presenting symptoms.