,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.
Q1. Which of the following principles best describes the
rationale for initiating psychotropic medication at the
lowest effective dose?
A. To minimize the risk of tachyphylaxis
B. To reduce the potential for dose-related adverse
events
C. To ensure rapid symptom resolution
D. To guarantee patient adherence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Starting low and titrating slowly helps limit
dose-dependent side effects common in children (e.g.,
sedation, weight gain). Tachyphylaxis (A) is not a typical
concern; symptom resolution (C) and adherence (D) may
improve but are not the primary safety rationale.
Q2. Before prescribing a stimulant for ADHD in a 7-year-
old, the primary care provider should first obtain:
A. Baseline height, weight, and blood pressure
B. Fasting blood glucose level
, C. Routine electroencephalogram
D. Bone density scan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Baseline vital signs and growth parameters are
essential to monitor stimulant effects on appetite and
cardiovascular status. Blood glucose (B), EEG (C), and
bone density (D) are not routinely indicated before
stimulant initiation.
Q3. Integrated care models support psychotropic
prescribing primarily by:
A. Limiting medication access to specialists
B. Facilitating collaboration between primary care and
mental health professionals
C. Delegating medication decisions solely to psychiatrists
D. Removing the need for informed consent
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Integrated care emphasizes teamwork—
sharing expertise and coordinating treatment between
providers. Restricting access (A), delegating exclusively
(C), or bypassing consent (D) contradict core principles.
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. Which of the following principles best describes the
rationale for initiating psychotropic medication at the
lowest effective dose?
A. To minimize the risk of tachyphylaxis
B. To reduce the potential for dose-related adverse
events
C. To ensure rapid symptom resolution
D. To guarantee patient adherence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Starting low and titrating slowly helps limit
dose-dependent side effects common in children (e.g.,
sedation, weight gain). Tachyphylaxis (A) is not a typical
concern; symptom resolution (C) and adherence (D) may
improve but are not the primary safety rationale.
Q2. Before prescribing a stimulant for ADHD in a 7-year-
old, the primary care provider should first obtain:
A. Baseline height, weight, and blood pressure
B. Fasting blood glucose level
, C. Routine electroencephalogram
D. Bone density scan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Baseline vital signs and growth parameters are
essential to monitor stimulant effects on appetite and
cardiovascular status. Blood glucose (B), EEG (C), and
bone density (D) are not routinely indicated before
stimulant initiation.
Q3. Integrated care models support psychotropic
prescribing primarily by:
A. Limiting medication access to specialists
B. Facilitating collaboration between primary care and
mental health professionals
C. Delegating medication decisions solely to psychiatrists
D. Removing the need for informed consent
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Integrated care emphasizes teamwork—
sharing expertise and coordinating treatment between
providers. Restricting access (A), delegating exclusively
(C), or bypassing consent (D) contradict core principles.
