,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: Core Prescribing Principles (Q1–Q10)
1. Start Low, Go Slow ★
o Q1. Which principle best describes the core
approach to initiating psychotropic medication
in children?
▪ A. Start high, reduce slowly
▪ B. Start low, go slow ★
▪ C. Start average, adjust rapidly
▪ D. Start high, go slow
▪ Rationale: Begin at the lowest effective
dose and titrate gradually to minimize side
effects.
2. Minimal Effective Dosing ★
o Q2. The principle supporting minimal effective
dosing means:
▪ A. Titrate to highest tolerable dose
immediately
, ▪ B. Identify the lowest dose yielding clinical
benefit ★
▪ C. Maintain fixed high dose to avoid
fluctuation
▪ D. Disregard dose–response relationships
▪ Rationale: Balancing efficacy with
tolerability reduces adverse events.
3. Safety-First Dosing ★
o Q3. A principle of “safety-first dosing” means:
▪ A. Using maximum dose first to assess
tolerance
▪ B. Beginning with the lowest dose and
titrating based on response ★
▪ C. Skipping monitoring if starting low
▪ D. Dosing based solely on age brackets
▪ Rationale: Cautious initiation with ongoing
monitoring is essential.
4. Polypharmacy Minimization ★
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: Core Prescribing Principles (Q1–Q10)
1. Start Low, Go Slow ★
o Q1. Which principle best describes the core
approach to initiating psychotropic medication
in children?
▪ A. Start high, reduce slowly
▪ B. Start low, go slow ★
▪ C. Start average, adjust rapidly
▪ D. Start high, go slow
▪ Rationale: Begin at the lowest effective
dose and titrate gradually to minimize side
effects.
2. Minimal Effective Dosing ★
o Q2. The principle supporting minimal effective
dosing means:
▪ A. Titrate to highest tolerable dose
immediately
, ▪ B. Identify the lowest dose yielding clinical
benefit ★
▪ C. Maintain fixed high dose to avoid
fluctuation
▪ D. Disregard dose–response relationships
▪ Rationale: Balancing efficacy with
tolerability reduces adverse events.
3. Safety-First Dosing ★
o Q3. A principle of “safety-first dosing” means:
▪ A. Using maximum dose first to assess
tolerance
▪ B. Beginning with the lowest dose and
titrating based on response ★
▪ C. Skipping monitoring if starting low
▪ D. Dosing based solely on age brackets
▪ Rationale: Cautious initiation with ongoing
monitoring is essential.
4. Polypharmacy Minimization ★
