Definition

1. Noun:
   • A detailed, chronological record of the background, development, and relevant circumstances of a person, group, or situation that is under study, treatment, or investigation, especially in fields like medicine, psychology, or social work.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The psychologist reviewed the patient's case history before the first appointment.
  • A thorough case history is essential for an accurate medical diagnosis.
  • The social worker compiled a detailed case history of the family.

Advanced Usage

• "to take a case history": The process of gathering information to compile this record.
  • The doctor spent an hour taking the new patient's case history.
• Used to imply a documented precedent or a record of past behavior in non-clinical contexts.
  • The company's case history of environmental violations made it difficult to get the permit.

Variants and Related Words

• Case study (n): A detailed analysis of a person, group, or event, often based on a case history but typically involving more in-depth interpretation and presentation.
  • The professor assigned a case study of a famous business failure.
• Medical history (n): A specific type of case history focusing on past and present health information.
  • Please fill out this form about your medical history.

Synonyms

• Record: A written account of facts or events.
• Background: A person's education, experience, and social circumstances.
• File: A collection of documents about a particular person or subject.

Related Phrases

• Case notes (n): The ongoing notes made by a professional during treatment or study, which contribute to the overall case history.
  • The therapist updated the case notes after each session.
• Patient history (n): Synonymous with medical history.

Related Idioms

• To have a history of (something): To have a documented record of past occurrences, often negative.
  • This equipment has a history of mechanical failures. (This idiom relates to the concept of a documented record found in a case history.)

Noun

1. detailed record of the background of a person or group under study or treatment