Managing Medical School Test Anxiety

Amanda R. Lorenz, PhDOffice of Applied Psychological Services

University of Illinois at Chicago

Goals

Identify the signs and symptoms of anxiety Learn tips and techniques to minimize test

anxiety Develop a plan that maximizes test

performance and success in medical school (and beyond…)

Congratulations on getting into medical school!

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(Aaron Beck, MD)

Be nice to yourself

Challenge Your Cognitive Distortions

Recognize the distortions

Challenge them Consider the alternatives

Examine the evidence

Is this thought helping me

Reference group (what would others think or do? What would I tell a friend?)

Replace distortions with positive self-talk I have accomplished a

lot already

I am smart and I can do this

I belong here

I am prepared for this test

It is only one test

The Power of Writing

Ramirez & Beilock (2014) & Nelson & Knight (2010)

Writing for a few minutes prior tests increased self-efficacy and test performance!

Be a Role Model for your Patients

Increase Positive Experiences

PleasantActivities

Inside Outside

Alone

With Others

Successful Study Skills

Spaced (not massed) Learning Elaboration and variation and elaboration(!)

Organize the Material Ask Questions Use Mnemonics

Sleep!

Tips for the Day of the Test

Sleep & Eat well Use Coping Skills Don't worry about other students finishing the

test before you do Concentrate on your own test Stay focused on the questions

Tips for Multiple Choice Questions

Read the question and circle or underline any key words

Try to answer a question before looking at the choices If your answer is there, that’s a good sign!

Eliminate wrong answers Mark questions that you can’t answer & continue

working. Then, return to skipped questions, even if it is simply to mark a guess.

Pace Yourself Do not change your answers

WARNING! Depression and Burn-out!

Helplessness and Hopelessness Sadness and Irritability Anhedonia Changes in Sleep Changes in Appetite

Resources

Faculty Advisors Office of Student Affairs Advisor

(312) 996-2450 UIC Counseling Center

(312) 996-3490 Office of Applied Psychological Services at UIC

(312) 996-2540 Amanda Lorenz, PhD, at 312-413-2636 or

arlorenz@uic.edu Personal Physician