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Andrew M. Seddon, MD
Billings, Mont

JAMA. 2002;288:2377-2378.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The time had arrived again: board recertification. I settled down with an audio review course, manuals, monographs, and all the accessories needed for success (gallons of strong tea, fully stocked CD player). Fairly soon into my studies, however, I found myself suffering from confusion, difficulty concentrating, a raging headache, and frustration. I rapidly diagnosed myself with ANS: abbreviation nonrecognition syndrome (also known as UAC [unfamiliar abbreviation condition] and AAAA [acute abbreviation anomic aphasia]).

Abbreviations are part and parcel of life in medicine and science. We each have our favorites—like old friends or beloved pets—that have accompanied us since our training. They are warm, reassuring, and comfortable, almost snugly. We're happy with CHF, CNS, COPD, BP, IV. Where would we be without them? Each specialty has its own group of abbreviations that are helpful, convenient, and timesaving. In my world, ST (sore throat), NVD (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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