,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 I: Guiding Psychopharmacology Principles (Q1–
Q14)
Q1. Which of the following best summarizes the "start
low, go slow" principle in pediatric psychopharmacology?
A. Initiate at the standard adult dose and titrate quickly
B. Begin at a low dose and increase slowly to the
therapeutic range
C. Avoid titration and maintain a fixed low dose
D. Start at the highest effective dose to ensure efficacy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Begins treatment at a low dosage and titrates
upward to balance efficacy with safety.
Q2. The core prescribing principle of sequential
monotherapy means:
A. Trial one medication at a time before adding another
B. Start multiple drugs simultaneously
C. Rotate medications daily
D. Avoid following response
Correct Answer: A
, Rationale: Clarifies individual drug effect and tolerability
prior to combination therapy.
Q3. Before prescribing a psychotropic medication to a
child, which safety consideration is MOST critical?
A. Family history of psychiatric illness only
B. Baseline vital signs and growth parameters
C. Current academic performance
D. Peer relationships
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Establishes baseline to monitor for physical
side effects and growth impact.
Q4. Which principle emphasizes weighing risks versus
benefits before starting a psychotropic in a child?
A. Risk-blind prescribing
B. Principle of risk–benefit analysis
C. Rapid initiation protocol
D. Uniform dosing strategy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ensures therapeutic gains justify potential
adverse effects.
Q5. A guiding psychopharmacology principle is to
anticipate and manage side effects proactively. Which
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 I: Guiding Psychopharmacology Principles (Q1–
Q14)
Q1. Which of the following best summarizes the "start
low, go slow" principle in pediatric psychopharmacology?
A. Initiate at the standard adult dose and titrate quickly
B. Begin at a low dose and increase slowly to the
therapeutic range
C. Avoid titration and maintain a fixed low dose
D. Start at the highest effective dose to ensure efficacy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Begins treatment at a low dosage and titrates
upward to balance efficacy with safety.
Q2. The core prescribing principle of sequential
monotherapy means:
A. Trial one medication at a time before adding another
B. Start multiple drugs simultaneously
C. Rotate medications daily
D. Avoid following response
Correct Answer: A
, Rationale: Clarifies individual drug effect and tolerability
prior to combination therapy.
Q3. Before prescribing a psychotropic medication to a
child, which safety consideration is MOST critical?
A. Family history of psychiatric illness only
B. Baseline vital signs and growth parameters
C. Current academic performance
D. Peer relationships
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Establishes baseline to monitor for physical
side effects and growth impact.
Q4. Which principle emphasizes weighing risks versus
benefits before starting a psychotropic in a child?
A. Risk-blind prescribing
B. Principle of risk–benefit analysis
C. Rapid initiation protocol
D. Uniform dosing strategy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ensures therapeutic gains justify potential
adverse effects.
Q5. A guiding psychopharmacology principle is to
anticipate and manage side effects proactively. Which
