,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. Before initiating any psychotropic in a child, the
principle “start low, go slow” primarily reflects which of
the following concerns?
A. Minimizing cost of treatment
B. Maximizing insurance reimbursement
C. Reducing risk of adverse reactions
D. Achieving therapeutic levels more quickly
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: “Start low, go slow” emphasizes minimizing
side effects and adverse events by gradual titration (C). It
does not relate to cost (A), reimbursement (B), or rapid
achievement of therapeutic levels (D), which would
contradict the slow‐titration strategy.
Q2. Which of the following is not one of the core guiding
psychopharmacology principles described in Chapter 1?
A. Safety first
B. Evidence‐based dosing
C. Comprehensive psychosocial evaluation
D. Use of off‐label agents whenever possible
Correct Answer: D
, Rationale: The text emphasizes safety, evidence‐based
dosing, and thorough psychosocial assessment. It does
not recommend off‐label use whenever possible (D), but
rather stresses using FDA‐approved indications when
available.
Q3. In informed‐consent discussions before prescribing
psychotropics, which element is least essential?
A. Explanation of expected benefits
B. Detailed mechanism of action
C. Discussion of common and serious side effects
D. Alternatives and nonpharmacologic options
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While helpful, a deep pharmacologic
mechanism (B) is not essential for informed consent
compared to benefits (A), risks (C), and alternative
treatments (D).
Q4. Integrating psychopharmacology into primary care
most directly supports:
A. Reduced appointment length
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 child, the
principle “start low, go slow” primarily reflects which of
the following concerns?
A. Minimizing cost of treatment
B. Maximizing insurance reimbursement
C. Reducing risk of adverse reactions
D. Achieving therapeutic levels more quickly
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: “Start low, go slow” emphasizes minimizing
side effects and adverse events by gradual titration (C). It
does not relate to cost (A), reimbursement (B), or rapid
achievement of therapeutic levels (D), which would
contradict the slow‐titration strategy.
Q2. Which of the following is not one of the core guiding
psychopharmacology principles described in Chapter 1?
A. Safety first
B. Evidence‐based dosing
C. Comprehensive psychosocial evaluation
D. Use of off‐label agents whenever possible
Correct Answer: D
, Rationale: The text emphasizes safety, evidence‐based
dosing, and thorough psychosocial assessment. It does
not recommend off‐label use whenever possible (D), but
rather stresses using FDA‐approved indications when
available.
Q3. In informed‐consent discussions before prescribing
psychotropics, which element is least essential?
A. Explanation of expected benefits
B. Detailed mechanism of action
C. Discussion of common and serious side effects
D. Alternatives and nonpharmacologic options
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While helpful, a deep pharmacologic
mechanism (B) is not essential for informed consent
compared to benefits (A), risks (C), and alternative
treatments (D).
Q4. Integrating psychopharmacology into primary care
most directly supports:
A. Reduced appointment length
