QMHP Exam - Basic Psychiatric Meds
Study Questions with 100% Correct
Solutions
When do health care providers usually start with SSRIs or other antidepressants?
(Bonus: why do they usually start with these?) - ANSWER In the cases of panic disorder
or social anxiety disorder. Bonus: they have fewer side effects.
What is a common type of anti-anxiety medication? (Bonus: what are they sometimes
used to treat?) - ANSWER Benzodiazepines. Bonus: generalized anxiety disorder
What are used to treat the short-term symptoms of anxiety? - ANSWER Short half-life or
short-acting benzodiazepines or beta-blockers.
True or false: Benzodiazepines are long-term treatments. - ANSWER False. These can be
used to reduce severe anxiety but taking benzodiazepines over long periods may lead
to drug tolerance or even dependence.
What should providers do to reduce the likelihood that a person will
experience withdrawal symptoms or renewed anxiety symptoms? - ANSWER
Prescribe Benzodiazepines for short periods and taper them slowly.
What types of individuals should not be prescribed beta-blockers? (Bonus: why?) -
ANSWER Individuals with asthma or diabetes. Bonus: symptoms related to
both conditions may worsen
, What is a type of medication that is sometimes used to treat anxiety over
longer periods? - ANSWER Buspirone
How is buspirone different from other types of anxiety medications (such as
benzodiazepenes)? - ANSWER Buspirone must be taken every day for 3 to 4 weeks to
reach its full effect and is not effective for treating anxiety on an 'as-needed' basis.
When may health care providers prescribe a stimulant? - ANSWER ADHD and
narcolepsy.
What are some effects of stimulants? - ANSWER May increase alertness, attention, and
energy. They can also elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
True or false: Prescription stimulants typically improve alertness and focus for
most people, regardless of diagnosis. - ANSWER True.
True or false: motor hyperactivity associated with ADHD in children usually doesn't
go away. - ANSWER False, this usually goes away by the time they reach adolescence.
True or false: most side effects of stimulant medications are minor and disappear
at lower doses. - ANSWER True.
What does evidence show about stimulant medications leading to misuse or
dependence? - ANSWER Evidence shows this is unlikely when medications are taken
as prescribed.
What are some challenges with stimulant treatment? - ANSWER Sleep disturbance,
slowed growth.
Study Questions with 100% Correct
Solutions
When do health care providers usually start with SSRIs or other antidepressants?
(Bonus: why do they usually start with these?) - ANSWER In the cases of panic disorder
or social anxiety disorder. Bonus: they have fewer side effects.
What is a common type of anti-anxiety medication? (Bonus: what are they sometimes
used to treat?) - ANSWER Benzodiazepines. Bonus: generalized anxiety disorder
What are used to treat the short-term symptoms of anxiety? - ANSWER Short half-life or
short-acting benzodiazepines or beta-blockers.
True or false: Benzodiazepines are long-term treatments. - ANSWER False. These can be
used to reduce severe anxiety but taking benzodiazepines over long periods may lead
to drug tolerance or even dependence.
What should providers do to reduce the likelihood that a person will
experience withdrawal symptoms or renewed anxiety symptoms? - ANSWER
Prescribe Benzodiazepines for short periods and taper them slowly.
What types of individuals should not be prescribed beta-blockers? (Bonus: why?) -
ANSWER Individuals with asthma or diabetes. Bonus: symptoms related to
both conditions may worsen
, What is a type of medication that is sometimes used to treat anxiety over
longer periods? - ANSWER Buspirone
How is buspirone different from other types of anxiety medications (such as
benzodiazepenes)? - ANSWER Buspirone must be taken every day for 3 to 4 weeks to
reach its full effect and is not effective for treating anxiety on an 'as-needed' basis.
When may health care providers prescribe a stimulant? - ANSWER ADHD and
narcolepsy.
What are some effects of stimulants? - ANSWER May increase alertness, attention, and
energy. They can also elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
True or false: Prescription stimulants typically improve alertness and focus for
most people, regardless of diagnosis. - ANSWER True.
True or false: motor hyperactivity associated with ADHD in children usually doesn't
go away. - ANSWER False, this usually goes away by the time they reach adolescence.
True or false: most side effects of stimulant medications are minor and disappear
at lower doses. - ANSWER True.
What does evidence show about stimulant medications leading to misuse or
dependence? - ANSWER Evidence shows this is unlikely when medications are taken
as prescribed.
What are some challenges with stimulant treatment? - ANSWER Sleep disturbance,
slowed growth.
