,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 pediatric
patient, which of the following is the most important first
step?
A. Begin at the lowest available dose
B. Review baseline vital signs and laboratory studies
C. Educate the family about expected therapeutic effects
D. Schedule follow-up in two weeks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A thorough baseline evaluation—including vital signs,
growth parameters, and relevant labs—establishes a
safety foundation and identifies contraindications.
• A (start low) is critical but comes after confirming
safety parameters.
• C (family education) is important but follows
completion of baseline assessments.
• D (follow-up scheduling) should be planned early but
only after safety data are obtained.
, Q2. The principle “start low, go slow” primarily aims to:
A. Minimize risk of adverse effects
B. Reduce total treatment duration
C. Prevent medication nonadherence
D. Simplify dose titration schedules
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Starting at a low dose and titrating slowly reduces the
likelihood and severity of side effects, improving safety.
• B is incorrect; this approach may prolong titration.
• C may occur secondarily but is not the principle’s
primary aim.
• D is false; it can complicate schedules but balances
efficacy and tolerability.
Q3. Which guiding principle emphasizes the importance
of combining medication with psychotherapy?
A. Integrated care model
B. Evidence-based medicine
C. Safety monitoring
D. Adherence promotion
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, which of the following is the most important first
step?
A. Begin at the lowest available dose
B. Review baseline vital signs and laboratory studies
C. Educate the family about expected therapeutic effects
D. Schedule follow-up in two weeks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A thorough baseline evaluation—including vital signs,
growth parameters, and relevant labs—establishes a
safety foundation and identifies contraindications.
• A (start low) is critical but comes after confirming
safety parameters.
• C (family education) is important but follows
completion of baseline assessments.
• D (follow-up scheduling) should be planned early but
only after safety data are obtained.
, Q2. The principle “start low, go slow” primarily aims to:
A. Minimize risk of adverse effects
B. Reduce total treatment duration
C. Prevent medication nonadherence
D. Simplify dose titration schedules
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Starting at a low dose and titrating slowly reduces the
likelihood and severity of side effects, improving safety.
• B is incorrect; this approach may prolong titration.
• C may occur secondarily but is not the principle’s
primary aim.
• D is false; it can complicate schedules but balances
efficacy and tolerability.
Q3. Which guiding principle emphasizes the importance
of combining medication with psychotherapy?
A. Integrated care model
B. Evidence-based medicine
C. Safety monitoring
D. Adherence promotion
