Arab Board Psychiatry Part 1 study plan
Arab Board Psychiatry Part 1 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Basic Sciences Relevant to Psychiatry (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, genetics, psychopharmacology)
Map the major neuroanatomical pathways (dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic) to their functions and associated psychiatric disorders
Explain the mechanism of action, therapeutic window, and key side effects of at least four major psychotropic drug classes
Describe the principles of pharmacogenetics and genetic epidemiology relevant to psychiatry
Draw and label a diagram of the limbic system and explain its role in emotion regulation
Your checkpoint
Create a one-page summary sheet of neuroanatomy and neurochemistry with key pathways and drug targets
Basic Sciences Relevant to Psychiatry (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, genetics, psychopharmacology) & Psychopathology and Psychiatric Assessment (clinical interview, mental state examination, classification systems)
Compare and contrast the DSM-5 and ICD-11 classification systems for major psychiatric disorders
Demonstrate the components of a comprehensive mental state examination by writing a sample MSE
Explain the neurophysiology of sleep and its relevance to psychiatric disorders
Identify the key elements of the clinical interview and their purpose
Your checkpoint
Write a complete mental state examination for a hypothetical patient and submit for peer review
Organic and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (delirium, dementia, epilepsy, head injury, substance-related organic states) & Psychotic Disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder)
Differentiate delirium from dementia based on clinical features and investigations
Describe the assessment and management of substance-related organic mental disorders
Outline the diagnostic criteria and subtypes of schizophrenia according to DSM-5 and ICD-11
Explain the neurobiological and psychosocial theories of schizophrenia
Your checkpoint
Complete 20 multiple-choice questions on organic and psychotic disorders with a score of at least 80%
Psychotic Disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder) & Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Distinguish between schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and delusional disorder using case vignettes
Describe the first-line pharmacological and psychological treatments for psychotic disorders
Compare the clinical presentation of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders
Explain the cognitive-behavioral model of anxiety and depression
Your checkpoint
Write a case formulation for a patient with psychotic symptoms, including differential diagnosis and management plan
Mood and Anxiety Disorders & Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
Outline the stepped-care approach for anxiety disorders and depression
Describe the assessment and management of substance use disorders, including withdrawal and maintenance therapies
Explain the neurobiology of addiction and reward pathways
Identify the criteria for substance-induced mood and anxiety disorders
Your checkpoint
Create a management algorithm for a patient with comorbid depression and alcohol use disorder
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychotherapy and Psychological Treatments
Describe the assessment and management of common child and adolescent psychiatric disorders (e.g., ADHD, autism, conduct disorder)
Explain the principles of psychotherapy, including CBT, psychodynamic, and family therapy
Compare the indications and evidence base for different psychotherapeutic modalities
Outline the developmental stages and their relevance to psychopathology
Your checkpoint
Prepare a 10-minute presentation comparing two psychotherapy approaches for adolescent depression
Psychiatric Emergencies and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry & Forensic Psychiatry and Ethics & Community and Social Psychiatry (including cultural and regional perspectives)
Outline the assessment and management of psychiatric emergencies (suicide, aggression, acute psychosis)
Describe the role of consultation-liaison psychiatry in medical settings
Explain the ethical and legal principles in psychiatry, including capacity and confidentiality
Discuss the impact of culture on the presentation and management of psychiatric disorders, with emphasis on the Arab region
Your checkpoint
Write a reflective essay on cultural considerations in psychiatric practice in the Arab world
Research Methodology, Statistics and Evidence-Based Practice & Basic Sciences Relevant to Psychiatry (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, genetics, psychopharmacology) & Psychopathology and Psychiatric Assessment (clinical interview, mental state examination, classification systems) & Organic and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (delirium, dementia, epilepsy, head injury, substance-related organic states) & Psychotic Disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder) & Mood and Anxiety Disorders & Substance Use and Addictive Disorders & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychotherapy and Psychological Treatments & Psychiatric Emergencies and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry & Forensic Psychiatry and Ethics & Community and Social Psychiatry (including cultural and regional perspectives)
Interpret common statistical tests and measures used in psychiatric research (e.g., sensitivity, specificity, odds ratio)
Critically appraise a randomized controlled trial in psychiatry
Review and consolidate key concepts from all domains using practice questions
Identify personal areas of weakness and create a revision plan
Your checkpoint
Complete a 100-question mock exam covering all domains and achieve at least 70% overall
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 75% on a 30-question quiz covering domains 1 and 2
Week 4: Complete a case formulation for a psychotic disorder that includes differential diagnosis and management, and receive feedback from a peer or supervisor
Week 6: Deliver a presentation on psychotherapy for adolescent depression and pass a 40-question quiz on domains 5, 6, 7, and 8 with at least 80%
Week 8: Achieve at least 70% on the 100-question mock exam and submit a revision plan for weak areas