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.
Q1. Before initiating any psychotropic in a pediatric
patient, the principle “start low, go slow” primarily aims
to:
A. Maximize therapeutic effect ASAP
B. Minimize adverse effects and identify individual
tolerability
C. Prevent off-label prescribing
D. Reduce medication cost
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: “Start low, go slow” reduces risk of side effects
and allows careful dose titration based on individual
metabolism and response. A is wrong because rapid
titration risks toxicity; C is unrelated to dosing strategy; D
may be a secondary benefit but not the principle’s
purpose.
Q2. Which of the following is the most critical safety
consideration when prescribing stimulants to a child with
ADHD?
A. Baseline growth parameters
, B. Risk of addiction in adolescence
C. Hepatic enzyme function
D. Renal clearance rates
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Stimulants can suppress appetite and affect
growth; baseline height/weight is essential for
monitoring. B is not major with therapeutic stimulant
use; C and D are less relevant, as stimulants are
metabolized hepatically but excel in growth monitoring.
Q3. In integrated care models, the pediatric provider’s
role regarding psychotropics includes all EXCEPT:
A. Screening for mental health symptoms
B. Prescribing psychotropics without collaboration
C. Educating families on medication risks/benefits
D. Coordinating with mental health specialists
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Integrated care emphasizes teamwork;
unilateral prescribing without collaboration undermines
quality. A, C, and D are core integrated-care activities.