The date range for taking the PRITE is quickly approaching. Each year from September 24th to October 15th, residents around the U.S. sit down for the 8.5 hour exam. This year, the PRITE has 300 questions (access to pdf breakdown of topics with annotations here).
Residents need to know a foundation of Neuroscience and Neurology, Clinical Psychiatry, and Diagnostic Procedures to be ready for this exam. It may be tempting to try studying off old PRITE exams, but we have a whole blog entry on exactly why not to do this (check it out if you’re curious!) Instead, take a peep into some question banks that are made for the sole purpose of helping you reach at least that 70% passing mark (and let’s be real…you’re going to far surpass it!).
Taking the PRITE may not lead to as much anxiety or stress as this is an exam a resident will take 3 or 4 times throughout their medical education career. But even if it’s something you’ve done 1 or 2 or even 3 times before, it’s still important to properly prepare for it. The ease that you pass this exam is a good indicator for how well prepared you are to launch into your medical career after graduation!
Even though the countdown is on, there’s still time to add in a little extra studying. Want some help? My Psych Board is here for you! Check out our PRITE question bank, even just to give the FREE TRIAL a try. If you want more focused help, reach out to talk to someone about our tutoring services. We know you’re going to crush your exam!
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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!
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In the world of psychiatry, it’s common to come across differing opinions on the best way to manage various disorders. Some clinicians prefer combination therapy, some support pure psychotherapy, while others trial pharmaceuticals prior to engaging in talk therapy. With multiple avenues available, what’s the best approach?
We took a look at a review of 102 meta-analyses of how professionals across the country handle different categories of disorders and their resulting efficacy. And guess what?
There’s no one size fits all! That’s right. This review that looked through 3,782 RCTs and 650,514 patients (all adult) found small benefits for both pharamcotherapies and psychotherapies (SMD=0.35). In their break down, the authors show that clinicians across the field generally favor a combination of both interventions to address conditions such as depression, social anxiety, OCD, and PTSD when compared to monotherapy. However, there are still notable benefits for each condition when using monotherapy! So…what’s the take away?
When considering treatment options for your patient, you need to consider their individual case. Some patients are fine with monotherapy, whether that is psycho or pharma, and some require a little of both. It’s your job as the professional in the field to assess which way is best for them. And so long as you do your due diligence, the data suggests one way over the other isn’t necessarily “better” (so, so there therapeutic purists!)
Making judgement calls can be tricky. A great way to get more comfortable is to practice! Learn more about treatment options and give your assessment skills a work out by going through our Diagnostic Procedures and Psychopharmacology topics. 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
REFERENCE:
Leichsenring, F., Steinert, C., Rabung, S., & Ioannidis, J. P. (2022). The efficacy of psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies for mental disorders in adults: an umbrella review and meta‐analytic evaluation of recent meta‐analyses. World Psychiatry, 21(1), 133-145.
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/med-therapy-scaled.jpg17072560Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-06-19 02:22:002023-06-08 15:11:19Controversial opinions: medication vs. talk therapy
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.
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There are days when the last thing you want to do is be studying. Maybe you’re burned out from a hectic week, or maybe you’ve been away for a few days and having a difficult time getting back into the groove of things. Whatever the case may be, here are a few tips to help you get started back onto your studying track!
Make a List
If you are a visual processor, it may be helpful to sit down and write (or type) out a list of exactly what you need to be working on. It could be a topic list, it could be a to-do list. Whatever helps you categorize what you need to focus on!
Make a Plan
Next, make a plan. This can be a schedule such as “Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9am to 10am I will go through the Neuroscience qbank” or “Each day for 15 minutes I’m going to read up on Developmental disorders”. It can also be a plan for a goal like “I will be able to complete the Bipolar qbank in Test Mode perfectly by July 1st”. This is to give you an orientation for your list to help take steps to accomplish the goals.
Make Baby Steps
It’s important to not expect yourself to jump in at 100%. If you’ve been in a rut, you need to ease yourself back into your habits and expectations. Start small, if necessary, by doing timed increments each day. Eventually you can increase those increments to make bigger strides in what you’re working towards.
Make it FUN!
Finally, give yourself rewards as you go. It’s OK! If you have something to look forward to, you’re more likely to complete the tasks at hand. Maybe that reward is going to get your favorite treat once you’ve successfully gone through a chapter of a book. Or taking a hot bath at the end of the day with a glass of wine. Find small things you can do for yourself that encourages you to keep going. It doesn’t have to be all work 🙂
The important thing is to just get started. Once you get momentum, things will become easier!
Need some help?
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 or ask about our STUDY GUIDES so we can get you on the right path today!
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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!
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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!
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/stigma-studying-scaled.jpg25601707Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-05-01 14:46:402023-05-18 14:57:34The Answer is in: How much you NEED to study
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:
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!)
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.
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.
Use study aids: Experiment with different study aids like flashcards, diagrams, or mnemonic devices to help you retain information more effectively.
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.
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!
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/study-in-summer-scaled.jpg17072560Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-04-24 14:34:452023-05-18 14:46:24How to Keep Studying, Even in the Summer
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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!
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