Tag Archive for: study

Tips to Have a Successful Summer

/in ,
summer icecream

Summer is a time of warmth, joy, and adventure. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation or just enjoying some time off from work or school, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this sunny season. But what’s the secret to a truly successful summer? Here are a few tips to help you have the best summer ever.

  1. Prioritize your health and well-being
    Summer is a time when many of us let loose and indulge in all sorts of unhealthy habits, like drinking too much alcohol, eating junk food, and neglecting our exercise routines. But if you want to feel your best and make the most of this season, it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being. That means taking care of yourself by eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of exercise. You don’t have to give up all the fun of summer, but balance is key. Make sure you’re also getting enough rest and relaxation to recharge your batteries.
  2. Embrace new experiences
    Summer is the perfect time to try new things and embrace new experiences. Whether you’re exploring a new city, trying a new activity, or simply trying a new type of food, stepping out of your comfort zone can help you grow and learn. Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to new opportunities and adventures. You never know what you might discover or who you might meet.
  3. Connect with others
    Summer is a social season, and connecting with others is a key part of making the most of it. Whether you’re spending time with family and friends, meeting new people, or attending events and gatherings, building meaningful connections with others can bring joy and fulfillment to your summer. Make an effort to be present and engaged in your interactions with others. Put away your phone and focus on the people around you. Listen actively and be open to different perspectives and ideas.
  4. Practice gratitude
    Gratitude is an important habit to cultivate all year round, but it’s especially important in the summer. With so much beauty and abundance around us, it’s easy to take things for granted. But by practicing gratitude, we can cultivate a sense of appreciation and joy that can enhance our summer experience. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, whether it’s the warmth of the sun on your skin, the beauty of a sunset, or the kindness of a friend. By focusing on the good in our lives, we can create a positive mindset that can carry us through the summer and beyond.

Ready to stay motivated this summer?

Stay on track while you enjoy the beautiful weather! Give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Or if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can get you on the right path today!

The Going Rate: USMLE Passing Rates

/in ,

Curious what the passing rate for the USMLE looks like? Wondering what your odds of passing on the first try are? We’re here to answer your questions!

Passing rates

The United States Medical Licensing Examination released the following data on passing rates in the last 2 years for the Step 2 CK.

USMLE passing rate for the last 2 years

First time takers have a 99% passing rate! You’ve got this! Want to be a part of that 99%? Check out our Question Banks and find the best option for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can get you on the right path today!

Syndrome Series: Illness Anxiety Disorder

/in ,
artistic design man holding his face due to illness anxiety

What is Illness Anxiety?

Illness Anxiety Disorder is a fairly new condition that was added to the DSM-V under the section of somatic symptom and related disorders. It is the preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, generally in the absence of somatic symptoms. This is accompanied by a high level of anxiety about health, and individuals who have this condition perform excessive health-related behaviors such as checking for abnormalities on the body. . This condition can be care-seeking (where the individual is seeking physician visits, tests, and procedures at an unnecessary rate) or care-avoidant (where the individual avoids physician visits, tests, or procedures in fear of discovering an illness).

Illness Anxiety and Hypochondriasis

Prior to somatic symptom and related disorders being acquired, people fitting these criteria were generally referred to as hypochondriacs. Now, about 75% of those individuals have a somatic symptom disorder diagnosis. The other 25% are diagnosed with illness anxiety. Hypochondriasis is not considered an anxiety disorder and may have somatic symptoms present; illness anxiety is considered an anxiety disorder related to somatic symptom disorders due to the physical checking and specified anxiety related to ones health.

Illness Anxiety Comorbidities

As a newer condition, comorbidities to illness anxiety are not well understood. Currently it is expected that two-thirds of individuals with illness anxiety also are likely to have at least one other major mental health issue. Hypochondriasis is commonly seen to co-occur with anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, as well as depression. Since these conditions share similarities, these could be reasonable comorbidities to be aware of.

First Line Treatments

Treatment options for this condition focus on the ability to manage anxiety symptoms. This can include both psychotherapy and pharmaceutical therapy. The most common psychotherapy used is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Mayo Clinic outlines the following as the goals of CBT in regard to illness anxiety disorder.

Psychotherapy Objectives

  • Identify your fears and beliefs about having a serious medical disease
  • Learn alternate ways to view your body sensations by working to change unhelpful thoughts
  • Become more aware of how your worries affect you and your behavior
  • Change the way you respond to your body sensations and symptoms
  • Learn skills to cope with and tolerate anxiety and stress
  • Reduce avoidance of situations and activities due to physical sensations
  • Reduce behaviors of frequently checking your body for signs of illness and repeatedly seeking reassurance
  • Improve daily functioning at home, at work, in relationships and in social situations
  • Address other mental health disorders, such as depression

Pharmaceuticals

The next option for treatment is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications work well for anxiety disorders as well as depressive disorders, and have shown efficacy in the treatment of illness anxiety. They also have lower rates of side effects and higher rates of tolerability. They offer safe options for a variety of patients, including patients that are pregnant.

Ready to learn more?

Give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Or if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can get you on the right path today!

REFERENCES:

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

French JH, Hameed S. Illness Anxiety Disorder. [Updated 2022 Apr 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554399/

Mayo Clinic:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373787