🧠 Guide to the IMM Psychiatry Exam (CPSP)

The Intermediate Module (IMM) Psychiatry exam, conducted by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), is a major step for anyone specializing in psychiatry. It’s designed to assess your theoretical knowledge and practical skills, laying the groundwork for your future in this field. This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare effectively and confidently.

📜 Exam Structure

The IMM Psychiatry exam consists of two papers, each with 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

Paper 1:

This paper includes topics from Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, Neurology, and Medicine. It tests your understanding of foundational concepts and how they apply in clinical settings.

Paper 2:

This paper focuses entirely on Psychiatry, covering psychiatric disorders, their management, psychopharmacology, and case-based questions.

To access the full syllabus, check the workshop section on your CPSP e-portal. Knowing exactly what’s included will help you study more efficiently.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Before you can appear for the IMM Psychiatry exam, make sure you meet these requirements:

Clinical Rotations:

You must complete three essential rotations:

• Medicine (3 months): To build a strong understanding of medical conditions that overlap with psychiatric presentations.
• Neurology (3 months): To learn how to differentiate between neurological and psychiatric conditions.
• Clinical Psychology (3 months): To gain hands-on experience in psychological assessments and therapy techniques.

Logbook:

Maintain a detailed logbook with at least 200 clinical entries, showcasing a variety of cases you’ve worked on.

Research Component:

Submit a synopsis or article titles as part of your academic requirements. This shows your engagement in research and your commitment to advancing the field.

🎯 High-Yield Topics

Focusing on high-yield topics is crucial for effective preparation. Here’s what to prioritize:

• Memory and Personality Developmental Theories
• Sleep Physiology and Defense Mechanisms
• Behavioral Concepts like Classical and Operant Conditioning
• Communication Skills and Doctor-Patient Relationship
• Motivation, Ethics, and Transference/Counter-Transference
• Stress and Suicide Assessment
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and its Applications
• Durkheim’s Theory on Suicide
• Paraphilias, Perception Studies, and Metacognition
• Sick Role and Moral Theories

Other frequently asked areas include:

• Neurological disorders like Wilson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Huntington’s Disease
• Core concepts from Behavioral Sciences
• Psychiatric Disorders and their Management (e.g., ERP as the first-line therapy for OCD)
• Psychopharmacology, focusing on Maudsley’s tables
• Differences between types of dementia: Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, Vascular, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
• NMS vs. Serotonin Syndrome
• Unique properties of SSRIs
• Choosing psychotropics for pregnancy, liver, or kidney conditions
• Lithium and Clozapine in detail
• Substance detection times in urine and overdose management
• Wernicke’s Encephalopathy and Korsakoff Syndrome
• Alcohol and Opioid Management, including Methadone vs. Buprenorphine

The questions are often straightforward and based on clinical experience, so focus on understanding the topics rather than memorizing them.

🔁 Past Paper Importance

Around 40% of the questions in the IMM Psychiatry exam are repeated or follow similar patterns. Practicing past papers can help you recognize these patterns, understand the exam format, and boost your confidence.

💡 Final Thoughts & CTA

The IMM Psychiatry exam may seem challenging, but with the right approach and reliable resources, it’s entirely manageable. Focus on high-yield topics, practice past papers regularly, and use trusted materials like our course bundle.

Remember, this isn’t just about passing an exam—it’s about building a solid foundation for your career in psychiatry. Stay consistent, trust your preparation, and approach the exam with confidence.