Tag Archive for: USMLE

How to Read Vignettes- Efficiently!

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yield sign to stop and read vignettes efficiently

One of the sections of exams students have the most difficult time with is the vignettes section. We’ve discussed this topic before here, where we show how to break down the process of answering vignettes. But in this blog, we’ll get into the nuts and bolts of reading the passages a little more effectively.

Formatting is everything

First, how you approach vignettes will depend on what format they are in. A video vignette requires you to sit through a segment of recorded interactions and glean information off of those interactions (usually between and doctor and patient). A written vignette gives you a block of information you can refer back to to answer questions.

The key difference between these two is time management. For a video vignette, you won’t want to waste your exam time going back and re-watching the video (which isn’t allowed in some cases, anyway). You can’t control the speed that the video plays, so you’re at the mercy of the media to go through its time. Because of this, you’ll want to pay close attention as you watch through the video the first time. Thankfully, bits of video can stick out as they’re composed of dialogue instead of raw facts, and this can help recall later.

Video Vignettes

As you watch the videos, keep in mind what should stick out- deviances from typical life, distress from a symptom, dysfunction due to ongoing issues, or potential danger to the self or others. This is a simple concept, but it’s usually the part that you need to pay attention to. An important factor in video vignettes to pay attention to is HOW to patient says these things. You’ll likely be quizzed on not only the information presented, but also how that information is delivered. Is the patient frenzied, calm, mood incongruent, or lethargic? Is that relevant to what they’re saying? It’s a lot to keep track of, but when you have to spend your time wisely, it’s best to dial into those videos.

Written Vignettes

Conversely, written vignettes will take up your time in a different way. Typically you’re presented with a fleshed out story and asked to determine answers that are either insinuated or determinable based on that information. For these, you can go back and re-read sections as you go. This means you don’t have to be laser-focused the first time reading it, and you can refer back to it. But this also means the questions involved may be a bit trickier and require more introspection. Keep in mind the basic information presented (i.e., demographics, time range of symptoms, key issues going back to the 4 D’s). Then as you delve deeper into the questions, refer back for more specifics.

Take away-

Vignettes are challenging. And they should be, as they are the more accurate representation of what it’s like working with real-life patients. And just like patients, they have their individual quirks that make them unique each time. A great way to get comfortable with these questions is the PRACTICE! Take time to go through and get used to what kind of information you need to pay attention to, in a setting that doesn’t penalize you for time.

We tailor each bank to the type of test you’re taking, whether that is Nurse Practitioner Mental Health Certification, ABPN, USMLE, or PRITE. You can take these practice exams over and over again until you get the hang of it. You can use the timed mode that mimics the actual exam so you really get in the groove of managing your time. Give our clinical vignettes a try- totally FREE – using our Free Trial!

If you like what you see on the trial, 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!

What’s the Tea on the USMLE?

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The United States Medical Licensing Exam is a year-round board examination for anyone wanting to practice medicine in the U.S. This includes psychiatrists and psychiatric candidates who can sit for the USMLE Step 2, Clinical Knowledge. So what do you need to know about it?

Registration Timeframe

The USMLE can be taken at (almost) any time throughout the year. The candidate submits a 3 month period in which they can be available to sit for the exam, excluding the first week of January or specific major holidays. After the examination is complete, results can be expected anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks later.

Cost

Step 2, CK now costs $1,000 to register and take the exam. This price increased from $965 as of January 2023. Step 1 and Step 2 are both this cost.

Exam Breakdown

The USMLE Step 2 consists of about 318 multiple choice questions administered over eight 60 minute blocks. This means you have about 90 seconds per question. You also get 45 minutes total of break time. If you finish a block early, the remaining time is added to your break time.

Exam Material

Exams for Step 2 include System Specifications, Physician Competencies, and Discipline Competency. Breakdowns for each of these are found below (these can also be found at the USMLE website here)

USMLE systems
USMLE physician competency
USMLE discipline competency
2023 Information Bulletin

The full scope of information for the USMLE 2023 can be found in this bulletin taken directly from the USMLE website.

Getting ready to take the USMLE, or just starting to plan it out? We can help you! Check out our USMLE Question Bank tailored specifically toward getting you ready for the Step 2, CK Psychiatry and Neurology sections!

How Many Ways Are There to Prep for Tests?

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test prep like a tortoise

Everyone has their own unique style when it comes to getting information into their noggin’. Test prep can take many shapes and forms, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Prepping for a board exam can be incredibly stressful. The weight of your career decisions rests on the outcome! (No pressure, right?) To cope with this stress, test prepping can manifest as several different approaches: the WINGER, the PROCRASTINATOR (aka, CRAMMER), and the TORTOISE.

The Winger

The Winger is the person that lets go of the immediate stress the exam is putting on them, and puts it out of their mind. They know it’s coming up, but they have confidence in the amount of information they have stored in their brains. The have an uncanny ability to refresh the knowledge and consolidate retrieval just by existing….or so they think. These test takers waltz into their exams and take a gamble that they will have all the answers (or at least enough to pass!). Depending on the type of test you’re going to take, being a Winger can work OK. Think 100 level undergrad classes. ABPN, PRITE, NP, or USMLE? This might not be the best approach.

The Procrastinator

The Procrastinator (aka, Crammer) is similar to the Winger. They also put off prepping for as long as possible. But while the Winger tends to follow through on their approach, the Procrastinator usually gets MORE stressed by avoiding it, and ends up cramming as much studying in as possible in the last day or so leading up to the exam. Cramming can be beneficial when compared to not prepping at all, and for some individuals, cramming is their sole means of test prep. Can it work? Probably. Is it great for your mental health? Not really.

The Tortoise

Lastly, we have the Tortoise. This name harkens back to Aesop’s Fables, as it should, because this test prepper takes the slow and steady approach. Plunking along, little by little every day, this prepper integrates new bits of information into their mental arsenal. They challenge the knowledge they already have to increase retrieval. The process starts closer to a few months ahead of time, as opposed to overwhelming themselves with whole textbooks 48 hours before their next exam. Instead, they have time to relax and take in some self-care in the days leading up to the exam so that they are refreshed and ready to go.

Is any one of these approaches superior? Research would suggest there is favorable option- we’ll let you decide which one you think it is 😉 In the meantime, if you’ve been relying on being a Winger or a Crammer up to this point, let this blog be your sign to give the Turtle Club (yes, that’s an early 2000’s movie reference) a chance. 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 help you prep in the best way for you.

What’s New with MyPsychBoard?

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My Psych Board

If you’ve been on our platform recently, you may have noticed a few changes! Our user view of all qbanks have gotten a face-lift to improve user readability.

This change was spurred by a user contacting us to let us know what could make their experience better. And we listened! We want to take a minute to thank each and every one of you that have been using our qbanks and have taken the time to give us important feedback. We appreciate all of you, and hope to continue to provide excellent customer service and studying experiences for you!

If you haven’t seen our qbanks, you can 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 Answer is in: How much you NEED to study

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how much studying

Studying can be a daunting task for many students, and there’s a stigma around how much time one should spend studying. Some believe that studying as much as possible is the key to getting good grades. This person might carry their books with them and cram in as much as they can every spare minute they have. Some others find that a last minute sweep over general content refreshes their recollection and gets them as ready as they need.

On one hand, the person cramming constantly may cover more material, but studying too much can lead to burnout and negatively impact one’s overall well-being. On the other hand, the person barely cracking open a book may find themselves sorely unprepared when test time comes. So, what’s the sweet spot?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the ideal amount of time to study varies from person to person and is dependent on various factors. Some research suggests that spaced-out studying over time and practice testing can improve retention and learning. However, it’s important to find a study routine that works for you, based on your personal learning style and schedule.

Instead of focusing solely on the amount of time you spend studying, it’s crucial to prioritize the quality of your study sessions. Active engagement with the material, such as quizzing yourself or practicing with flashcards, can be more effective than passive reading.

It’s also important to balance your academic work with other aspects of your life. Taking breaks and pursuing other interests outside of studying can help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being. Finding the right balance between studying and personal life is key to long-term success and happiness.

Ready to start studying?

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!

How to Keep Studying, Even in the Summer

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studying in summer

Summer is here, the sun is shining, and who wants to be stuck inside? Unfortunately, the seasons don’t pay attention to our responsibilities. Studying can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience, especially when the weather is calling us to go do other things. It can be difficult to focus for extended periods, retain information, and stay motivated over time. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can improve your efficiency and effectiveness as a student.

Here are some specific strategies that can help you become more efficient and effective at studying:

  1. Set clear goals: Start by setting clear study goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will give you a clear sense of direction and purpose as you approach your studies. (Check out our blog on exactly this topic!)
  2. Plan your study sessions: Create a study schedule that fits with your daily routine and breaks down your study goals into manageable tasks. Use tools like calendars, planners, or apps to help you stay on track.
  3. Minimize distractions: Find a quiet, well-lit space with comfortable seating and minimal distractions. Turn off your phone or other devices that may pull your attention away from studying.
  4. Use study aids: Experiment with different study aids like flashcards, diagrams, or mnemonic devices to help you retain information more effectively.
  5. Take breaks: To avoid burnout and maintain focus, take regular breaks every 30-45 minutes. During your breaks, do something relaxing like taking a walk or stretching.
  6. Stay motivated: Keep yourself motivated by rewarding yourself for achieving study goals, visualizing success, and surrounding yourself with positive support systems.

To become more efficient at studying, it’s important to develop strategies that address these challenges directly. For example, planning your study sessions and breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks can help you stay focused and motivated. Creating a conducive study environment and using study aids can help you retain information more easily. Finally, taking regular breaks and staying positive can help you avoid burnout and stay motivated over time.

Ready to stay motivated this summer?

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!

Navigate Life Transitions Like A Pro

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How To Build Good Habits

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green vegetables indicating good eating habits

Developing good habits and implementing them into your daily routine is crucial for achieving success in all areas of your life. Habits are the small, repeated actions that we take each day that ultimately shape who we are and what we accomplish.
Good habits are essential because they help us make progress towards our goals, improve our health and well-being, and increase our overall productivity. By developing good habits, we can create a framework for success that allows us to achieve our desired outcomes consistently.

Forming habits

How to go about forming habits is the most difficult part. In order to start making positive changes and pushing yourself to create these small, repeated action, you must first identify what areas of your life you want improvement in. This requires some honest self-reflection. After you’ve identified your areas to work on, it helps to create a step-by-step plan for executing the changes.

For example, if you want to improve your health and fitness, establishing a habit of regular exercise and healthy eating is crucial. If you want to advance in your career, developing a habit of continuous learning and taking action towards your goals is necessary. If you want to improve your relationships, cultivating habits of active listening, showing appreciation, and communicating effectively can make all the difference.

Consequences of good habits

Implementing good habits into your daily routine requires commitment, consistency, and a bit of effort. However, the benefits of developing good habits are well worth the investment. By creating a routine that includes good habits, you can increase your productivity, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life. Moreover, the benefits of good habits extend beyond just achieving your desired outcomes. Developing good habits can also help you develop self-discipline, build self-confidence, and increase your sense of control over your life. By establishing good habits, you can create a solid foundation for long-term success and happiness.

In conclusion, developing good habits and implementing them into your daily routine is essential for achieving success in all areas of your life. Good habits are the building blocks of success, and they can help you create the life you desire. By committing to developing good habits, you can create a framework for success that will support you throughout your journey.

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!

Syndrome Series: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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obsessive compulsive disorder shoes

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and unwanted, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are applied to the obsessions (or other rules) that are rigidly followed.

Types of Obsessions and Compulsions

The types of obsessions and compulsions vary broadly, although there are common themes. Stereotypical OCD symptoms showcased in media are fear of contamination accompanied by compulsive cleaning (seen famously on the TV show Monk). Other common themes include symmetry (organizing, ordering, or counting compulsions), morality (sexual, aggressive, or religious based compulsions), or harm (checking compulsions for fear of harming others). These themes are seen globally across cultures with minor variances.

The performance of the compulsion is done in an attempt to mitigate anxiety or distress associated with the obsession. Individuals with OCD typically have an impending sense of doom if they don’t perform the compulsions, or they may believe something horrific will occur if they do not perform the tasks. The individual with this condition finds distress in their compulsions and obsessions and avoiding the compulsion or obsession can take up a significant amount of time. Because of this, they may avoid of people or certain places in order to avoid a trigger for a compulsion.

Realistically, the action and obsessions are not connected in any significant way. However, the extent that the individual believes this depends on their insight.

Insight

Insight refers to how well the individual recognizes the credibility of their beliefs. They may have good or fair insight in which they realize their disordered beliefs are definitely or most likely untrue; poor insight in which they think their obsessive compulsive beliefs are probably true; or absent insight in which they are completely convinced their disordered beliefs are true.

Prevalence and Transmission

The average age of onset is 19.5 years old, with a quarter of cases starting by the age of 14. Females tend to be affected slightly more than males in adulthood, while males are more affected in childhood. The prevalence in the U.S. is 1.2%, with similar prevalence rates seen globally. There is a 2x rate of familial transmission among first degree relatives with the condition compared to those without first degree relatives with the condition.

First Line Treatments

Treatment options for OCD generally includes psychotherapy and pharmaceuticals. These can be used exclusively or in combination with each other.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the first line treatment options for OCD. CBT is effective in treating OCD by helping the individual become aware of the cognitive distortions present that are leading to their compulsive behavior. Once identified, the clinician can work with the patient to untangle how the obsession and compulsion are not directly related and ultimately remove the desire to complete the compulsion when faced with a trigger.

In addition to standard CBT, there is another type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) that can be highly effective in the treatment of OCD. With this type of therapy, the client is systematically exposed to gradually increasing levels of the trigger for their compulsions and assisted in learning how to reject the compulsion.

Pharmaceuticals

Mayo clinic reports the following antidepressants approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat OCD:

  • Clomipramine (Anafranil) for adults and children 10 years and older
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac) for adults and children 7 years and older
  • Fluvoxamine for adults and children 8 years and older
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) for adults only
  • Sertraline (Zoloft) for adults and children 6 years and older

Additional Treatment Options

Other treatment options may be considered if first line treatments fail. These include Deep Brain Stimulation and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. These options are typically reserved for cases in which neither first line treatments have been found to be effective, and are generally used in patients over the age of 18. In both these treatment options, different neurological regions of the brain are stimulated using electrodes in order to suppress compulsive thoughts and behaviors.

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

Mayo Clinic:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354438#:~:text=Antidepressants%20approved%20by%20the%20U.S.,children%208%20years%20and%20older

How the 5 minute rule can help YOU!

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stop watch for 5 minute rule

Spring is in the air, the sun is starting to shed some warm rays, and the first shoots of green grass are starting to burst out of the ground. If you’re like me, the LAST thing you want to do is be cooped up inside studying. Spring fever is real! But…so are exams 🙂

Some days it feels like there’s a mental block stopping you from doing anything productive. Whether it be due to distractions, mental overload, or just plain old tired of doing the same things, everyone feels this way from time to time. And let’s be real, being where you are right now is overwhelming. If you’re prepping for boards, maybe you’re in rotations, maybe you’ve got your own practice, either way there’s a lot of stuff going on around you. Your brain can get a little worn out from everything and demand a break. That’s where a good method like the 5 minute rule can come in!

What is the 5 minute rule?

The 5 minute rule is a concept used in several therapy modalities. It’s pretty simple- all you have to do is sit and do an activity for 5 minutes. That’s it. Then you can get up, walk outside for some fresh air, check your socials, do whatever you want. YOU GET YOUR BREAK!

The next step to this rule is after a while you go back and do another 5 minutes. 5 minutes on, an interval of time off, 5 minutes on, an interval of time off,– you get the point. Even though it doesn’t seem like you can do much in 5 minutes, you’d be surprised how far into a question bank you can get or how far into a chapter you can read in that much time. Especially when you’ve come back to it a few times!

So if the springtime song of birds are calling you to run outside, or the spring fever cleaning bug is making you want to reorganize your house, you can let it! Just slip in those 5 minutes throughout the day and you won’t get too off track.

Curious how far into a bank you CAN get in 5 minutes? Give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Jump on Test Mode and get a feel for how the timed version of exams work. Want more material to work with? Check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can help you get your 5 minutes in!