,Chapter Topic Subtopics
Guiding Psychopharmacology Principles;
Additional Guiding Principles; Organization and
1 Getting Started
Overview; Selected Changes and Updates in Third
Edition
Rationale for the Conceptual Framework; Group 1
Conceptual Framework for
Medications for ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression;
2 Prescribing Psychotropic
Group 2 Medications; Group 3 Medications;
Medications
References
Overview; Diagnosis of Common Disorders
(ADHD, Anxiety, Depression); Diagnosis of
Common Comorbidities; Recognizing Other
3 Making a Diagnosis
Psychiatric Disorders; Determine if Medication Is
Indicated; Recognize Need for Referral;
References
Formulation; Feedback; Nonmedication
Interventions; Informed Consent; Specific
Consent Issues; Off-label Prescribing; FDA
4 Laying the Groundwork
Boxed Warnings; Triage for Psychiatric and
Social Emergencies; Important Considerations for
Safe and Effective Prescribing; References
Group 1 Medications for General Guidance; Methylphenidate;
5 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Amphetamine; Guanfacine; Clonidine;
Disorder Atomoxetine; Viloxazine; Summary; References
General Guidance; SSRIs;
Group 1 Medications for Anxiety
6 Serotonin-Noradrenergic Reuptake Inhibitor
and Depression
(Duloxetine); Summary; References
Group 2 Medications:
Rationale; Antipsychotics; The Mood Stabilizer
7 FDA-Approved Antipsychotics
Lithium; Summary; References
and Mood Stabilizers
Other Antidepressants; Other Antipsychotics;
Group 3 Medications: Others
8 Other Mood Stabilizers; Anxiolytics; Sleep Aids;
Commonly Prescribed
Future Considerations; References
Reevaluate Therapies; Reevaluate Medication;
Discontinuing Group 1 Medications; Switching
Group 1 Medications; When to Consider Group 2
9 Fine Tuning Treatment or Lithium; When to Consider Group 3
(Off-label); Drug Levels or Genetic Testing; Can
Genotyping Improve Response?; Consultation or
Second Opinion; References
Reassess Diagnoses; Complex Psychosocial
10 Managing Treatment Impasses Presentations; Expert Consultation or Referral;
References
,Chapter 1.
Section 1: Guiding Psychopharmacology Principles (Q1–
Q10)
Q1. Which principle best summarizes the “start low, go
slow” approach in pediatric psychopharmacology? A.
Begin with the manufacturer's recommended adult dose
and reduce as needed. B. Initiate treatment at a low dose
and titrate gradually based on response and tolerability.
C. Start at the highest effective dose to achieve symptom
control quickly. D. Use intermittent dosing schedules to
minimize side effects.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The “start low, go slow” principle means
initiating therapy at a low dose and titrating slowly based
on clinical response and side effects. Option A is incorrect
because adult dosing is not guiding pediatric practice.
Option C risks adverse effects. Option D describes an
alternative strategy but not the core principle.
Q2. Before prescribing a psychotropic medication to a
pediatric patient, which safety consideration is most
, critical? A. Reviewing family history of substance use
disorders. B. Assessing baseline vital signs and growth
parameters. C. Confirming insurance coverage for the
medication. D. Ensuring the patient has internet access
for telemedicine follow-up.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Baseline vital signs and growth charting are
essential to monitor potential side effects like weight
changes or cardiovascular effects. Option A is important
but secondary; Options C and D are
administrative/logistical rather than safety-focused.
Q3. Integrating psychotropic medication into care
requires collaboration with which professional most
directly? A. School guidance counselor B. Psychiatrist C.
Clinical laboratory technician D. Nutritionist
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Collaboration with a child psychiatrist ensures
specialized oversight, dosing adjustments, and
management of complex cases. Others play supportive or
technical roles.
Guiding Psychopharmacology Principles;
Additional Guiding Principles; Organization and
1 Getting Started
Overview; Selected Changes and Updates in Third
Edition
Rationale for the Conceptual Framework; Group 1
Conceptual Framework for
Medications for ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression;
2 Prescribing Psychotropic
Group 2 Medications; Group 3 Medications;
Medications
References
Overview; Diagnosis of Common Disorders
(ADHD, Anxiety, Depression); Diagnosis of
Common Comorbidities; Recognizing Other
3 Making a Diagnosis
Psychiatric Disorders; Determine if Medication Is
Indicated; Recognize Need for Referral;
References
Formulation; Feedback; Nonmedication
Interventions; Informed Consent; Specific
Consent Issues; Off-label Prescribing; FDA
4 Laying the Groundwork
Boxed Warnings; Triage for Psychiatric and
Social Emergencies; Important Considerations for
Safe and Effective Prescribing; References
Group 1 Medications for General Guidance; Methylphenidate;
5 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Amphetamine; Guanfacine; Clonidine;
Disorder Atomoxetine; Viloxazine; Summary; References
General Guidance; SSRIs;
Group 1 Medications for Anxiety
6 Serotonin-Noradrenergic Reuptake Inhibitor
and Depression
(Duloxetine); Summary; References
Group 2 Medications:
Rationale; Antipsychotics; The Mood Stabilizer
7 FDA-Approved Antipsychotics
Lithium; Summary; References
and Mood Stabilizers
Other Antidepressants; Other Antipsychotics;
Group 3 Medications: Others
8 Other Mood Stabilizers; Anxiolytics; Sleep Aids;
Commonly Prescribed
Future Considerations; References
Reevaluate Therapies; Reevaluate Medication;
Discontinuing Group 1 Medications; Switching
Group 1 Medications; When to Consider Group 2
9 Fine Tuning Treatment or Lithium; When to Consider Group 3
(Off-label); Drug Levels or Genetic Testing; Can
Genotyping Improve Response?; Consultation or
Second Opinion; References
Reassess Diagnoses; Complex Psychosocial
10 Managing Treatment Impasses Presentations; Expert Consultation or Referral;
References
,Chapter 1.
Section 1: Guiding Psychopharmacology Principles (Q1–
Q10)
Q1. Which principle best summarizes the “start low, go
slow” approach in pediatric psychopharmacology? A.
Begin with the manufacturer's recommended adult dose
and reduce as needed. B. Initiate treatment at a low dose
and titrate gradually based on response and tolerability.
C. Start at the highest effective dose to achieve symptom
control quickly. D. Use intermittent dosing schedules to
minimize side effects.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The “start low, go slow” principle means
initiating therapy at a low dose and titrating slowly based
on clinical response and side effects. Option A is incorrect
because adult dosing is not guiding pediatric practice.
Option C risks adverse effects. Option D describes an
alternative strategy but not the core principle.
Q2. Before prescribing a psychotropic medication to a
pediatric patient, which safety consideration is most
, critical? A. Reviewing family history of substance use
disorders. B. Assessing baseline vital signs and growth
parameters. C. Confirming insurance coverage for the
medication. D. Ensuring the patient has internet access
for telemedicine follow-up.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Baseline vital signs and growth charting are
essential to monitor potential side effects like weight
changes or cardiovascular effects. Option A is important
but secondary; Options C and D are
administrative/logistical rather than safety-focused.
Q3. Integrating psychotropic medication into care
requires collaboration with which professional most
directly? A. School guidance counselor B. Psychiatrist C.
Clinical laboratory technician D. Nutritionist
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Collaboration with a child psychiatrist ensures
specialized oversight, dosing adjustments, and
management of complex cases. Others play supportive or
technical roles.
