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Tuesday, August 05, 2008 thedreamofhealth asks

Q: does anyone know of a test anxiety support group? REAL help for test anxiety?

I am in south NJ, and have HUGE test anxiety. I somehow made it through Physician Assistant school, and a Masters of Medical Science degree, but the board exam, well, not so much. I have always had test anxiety, and had accommodations for exams until I got to PA school. In PA school, I failed an exam, had to repeat the entire 8 weeks section. One bad test creates more, if you have ever had test anxiety, you know what I am talking about. Believe me, I have done all the right things, studied profusely, tried all the 'relaxation' techniques; breathing, positive imagery, planning, but when I get into that exam, all the preperation is out the window. I have even had instructors see this happen. When I was doing anatomy/phys with cadaver dissection, I taught several students about the things we needed to know. when it came my turn for the practical exam, whoosh, all knowledge went away, and I might as well have been one of the cadavers, because thats how well my brain was functioning. The instructor 'saw' the change, and couldnt believe it. Fast forward to now, one failed board exam, a second one taken, and pretty confident it was failed as well. In preperation for the THIRD try, I was hoping to find  a support group, or some great fantastic hypnotist who can help me out. Embarassed

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Gerald Tarlow, Ph.D., Health Guide
8/ 7/08 3:26pm

Have you tried cognitve therapy?  Very often anticipatory anxiety is caused by distorted, or irrational thoughts.  Cognitive therapy can help  you discover and change these thoughts.  Contact the Anxiety Disorders Association of America ( www.adaa.org) or the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (www.abct.org ) To find a cognitive therapist near you.

Gerald Tarlow, Ph.D.

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By thedreamofhealth— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 08/05/08