I'm a second year medical school who is going to take the USMLE step 1 in June. I'll edit this post once I have actually taken it, but I will still give my opinion of the book now, so take it with a grain of salt.
This book covers every high yield area of behavioral science for the boards, including health care (Medicare vs Medicare, etc), principles of medical ethics, reportability of STDs, consent from minors, and the list is endless...
It even covers a few topics that you may have learned elsewhere, and can feel free to skip (e.g. information about neurotransmitters or psychopharmacology).
However, THE BEST part about this book is that it has questions at the end of every chapter (true to the BRS format). These questions definitely make it a BETTER OPTION than "High Yield Behavioral Science", which is also written by Dr. Fadem. I spent some time deciding between the two (and I even own them both), and this book is far superior in terms of helping you learn how to think and answer USMLE questions properly.
Lastly, is it worth buying this edition? Yes. It is in accordance with the new DSM V criteria, which will be on the boards! The old edition conformed to DSM IV. Furthermore, this new edition has added at least 15 pages of new material, and has added questions.
All in all, a solid and highly recommended purchase.
EDIT: I got my USMLE score report, and I received the highest possible score in neuro and behavioral science (marked with an *, just like in NBME practice exams). My ethics score was entirely due to this book.
EDIT: I am now an M3 in my psychiatric clerkship, and I have busted out this book yet again! If you like the BRS format then I think you'll agree that this is one of the best in the series (along with BRS pathology, physiology, and pediatrics).
| Title | BRS Behavioral Science (Color) |
| Author | Barbara Fadem |
| Publisher | LWW |
| ISBN | |
| Edition | 7th Edition, April 1, 2016 |
| Number of Pages | 486 |
| Country | India |
| Language | English, |
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