,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 guiding principle is most important to
ensure safety and efficacy?
A. Titrate rapidly to minimize symptom duration
B. Start at adult-equivalent doses based on weight
C. “Start low, go slow” dosing strategy
D. Prescribe long-acting formulations only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
“Start low, go slow” helps identify individual tolerability
and minimizes adverse effects in children whose
pharmacokinetics differ from adults. Rapid titration (A)
increases risk of side effects. Adult-equivalent dosing (B)
ignores developmental differences. Long-acting
formulations (D) may be appropriate later but are not the
first safety priority.
Q2. Which of the following is not one of the Additional
Guiding Principles outlined in Chapter 1?
A. Collaborate with schools and community providers
, B. Rely solely on pharmacotherapy without
psychotherapy
C. Monitor growth and development over time
D. Engage in shared decision-making with family
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Chapter 1 emphasizes integrated care—combining
medication with psychotherapy—so “rely solely on
pharmacotherapy” is contrary to the Additional Guiding
Principles. Collaboration (A), growth monitoring (C), and
shared decision-making (D) are all explicitly
recommended.
Q3. Which statement about informed consent in
pediatric psychopharmacology is TRUE?
A. Only assent from the child is legally required
B. Family education may be deferred until after
medication start
C. The provider must explain risks, benefits, and
alternatives
D. A verbal discussion is sufficient; no documentation is
needed
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 guiding principle is most important to
ensure safety and efficacy?
A. Titrate rapidly to minimize symptom duration
B. Start at adult-equivalent doses based on weight
C. “Start low, go slow” dosing strategy
D. Prescribe long-acting formulations only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
“Start low, go slow” helps identify individual tolerability
and minimizes adverse effects in children whose
pharmacokinetics differ from adults. Rapid titration (A)
increases risk of side effects. Adult-equivalent dosing (B)
ignores developmental differences. Long-acting
formulations (D) may be appropriate later but are not the
first safety priority.
Q2. Which of the following is not one of the Additional
Guiding Principles outlined in Chapter 1?
A. Collaborate with schools and community providers
, B. Rely solely on pharmacotherapy without
psychotherapy
C. Monitor growth and development over time
D. Engage in shared decision-making with family
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Chapter 1 emphasizes integrated care—combining
medication with psychotherapy—so “rely solely on
pharmacotherapy” is contrary to the Additional Guiding
Principles. Collaboration (A), growth monitoring (C), and
shared decision-making (D) are all explicitly
recommended.
Q3. Which statement about informed consent in
pediatric psychopharmacology is TRUE?
A. Only assent from the child is legally required
B. Family education may be deferred until after
medication start
C. The provider must explain risks, benefits, and
alternatives
D. A verbal discussion is sufficient; no documentation is
needed
