Neuropsychological Assessments for the Boards
Today I introduce you to the categories of neuropsychological and psychological assessments. Once you understand the big picture, you will understand the role of each individual assessment instrument.
Why Board Exam Scores Are Equalized
Someone recently asked my why the same board exam differs in passing score percentage from one year to the next. Here is an explanation of the exciting topic of equalization.
Increased Suicide Risk from Antiepileptic Drugs
Beginning in 2008, the FDA began notifying clinicians of the potential of antiepileptic drugs to increase suicide risk and earlier in 2009 issued a public health advisory notifying the public of this increased risk. Also, the FDA is mandating that manufacturers of antiepileptic drugs change the labeling of their meds, adding this risk to the Warnings section of the drug insert.
Informed Consent for the Boards
The concept of Informed Consent comes up on board exams in many specialties, including psychiatry and neurology ones.
The Underutilized Anti-Depressant “Wonder Drug”
Today’s post is about an antidepressant augmenter that can lead to incredibly powerful responses and yet, that is NEVER used by a majority of psychiatrists. What drug am I referring to? It is T3 or triiodothyronine.
Stroop Color & Word Test
Here is the second article in a series of on neuropsychological tests that assess frontal lobe function. The Stroop Color & Word Test is based on this simple but powerful realization.
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
As psychiatrists, we often use the MMSE to screen for cognitive dysfunction. The problem with the MMSE is that it does not assess frontal lobe functions. To assess those function we must turn to other instruments. Today I explain the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. This information is pertinent for the Psychiatry Part 1 exam, the Geriatric Certifying and MOC exam, and to a lesser extent the CAP Part 1 and MOC exams.
Depression & Diabetes: The Bidirectional Relationship
Did you know that diabetes mellitus increases risk for depression? Yes, it’s true. Read more on the bidirectional relationship between these two disorders. It’ll hold you in good stead on your board exam.
HIV / AIDS Issues on Your Board Exam II
Here is the second article in the series. I cover the cognitive disorders associated with HIV / AIDS. Let me repeat: this is a topic pertinent to any and every Psychiatry board exam. Let’s get going.
Study Suggestions & Resources
I’ve received a ton of questions on study suggestions and resources. Here are my recommendations and links to some great free resources (including my Med Quik Guide).
