Step 1 Basics (USMLE)

4.11 Antibody Review Rheumatology review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam. ANA Principles ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody): Non-specific antibody. Reacts against nuclear antigens, including proteins, DNA, RNA, and nucleic acid-protein complexes. Includes a group of antibodies such as anti-dsDNA, anti-histone, SSA/Ro, SSB/La, Scl-70, anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (Jo-1). Found in 20-30% of t

4.10 Gout and Pseudogout Rheumotology review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam. Gout Caused by uric acid crystal deposition due to purine metabolism. Triggers inflammation when crystals precipitate in cooler joint fluid. Presents with severe, red, and swollen monoarticular joints, often in the big toe. Diagnosis through synovial fluid analysis. Acute treatment: colchicine, NSAIDs, and glu

4.09 Rheumatologic Emergencies Rheumatology review for USMLE Step 1 Exam Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) A large vessel vasculitis, mainly in older individuals. Symptoms: headache, jaw claudication, vision loss. Ischemia from granulomas in large vessels causes vision loss. Immediate high-dose corticosteroids are crucial. Scleroderma Renal Crisis A complication of scleroderma. Symptom

1.06 Systolic Heart Murmurs Cardiovascular system review for the USMLE STEP 1 Exam Heart murmurs are caused by turbulent blood flow in the heart There are 4 different types of systolic murmurs: ventricular septal defect (VSD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), aortic stenosis, and mitral or tricuspid regurgitation PDA produces a constant, machine-like murmur VSD produces a ha

5.13 OCD and Related Disorders Psych review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Treat with CBT + SSRIs/SNRIs. Tic Disorders: Tourette Syndrome involves multiple motor and at least one vocal tic. Treat with Habit Reversal Therapy. Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Preoccupation with minor flaw

5.12 Anxiety Related Disorders Psychiatry review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam Anxiety is a normal response to threats or stressors in the environment Anxiety disorders occur when anxiety causes significant distress or impairment in functioning Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life for at least 6 months, accompan

5.11 Eating and Feeding Disorders Psychiatry Review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam Eating Disorders: Main disorders: bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Bulimia and anorexia share anxiety and compensatory behaviors. Anorexia: low body weight, fear of gaining weight, treatment involves slow refeeding. Bulimia: normal weight, signs of forced vomiting, treated

5.10 Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar) Psychiatry Review for the USMLE Step 1 exam Mood disorders are persistent disruptions in emotion, categorized into bipolar disorders and depressive disorders. Bipolar disorders are characterized by manic or hypomanic episodes, while depressive disorders feature periods of depression. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by f

5.09 Schizophrenia Psychiatry review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam Epidemiology: Slight male predilection (1.4:1 male to female ratio). Men present between 18-25, women between 28-35. Affects about 0.5% of the population. Symptoms: Positive symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized behavior and speech. Negative symptoms: flat affect, anhedonia, apathy, alogia, lack of inte

5.08 Cluster C Personality Disorders Psychiatry review for the USMLE Step 1 Exam Introduction: Cluster C personality disorders = anxious/worried. Disorders: avoidant, obsessive-compulsive, dependent. Distinguish from normal traits. Avoidant Personality Disorder: Inhibited, introverted, anxious. Fear of rejection, low self-esteem. Characteristics: avoidance, preoccupation wit