,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. A 12-year-old patient with ADHD is starting
stimulant therapy. Which principle best guides initial
dosing?
A. Begin with a moderate dose to assess efficacy quickly.
B. Start at the maximum recommended dose to avoid
underdosing.
C. Start low and titrate slowly to monitor tolerability.
D. Use weight-based dosing only without titration.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Core prescribing principles emphasize "start
low, go slow" to identify the minimum effective dose
while minimizing side effects. Moderate or maximum
starting doses increase risk of adverse events, and
weight-based dosing should be combined with titration.
Q2. Which safety consideration is most important
before prescribing a psychotropic to a child?
A. Insurance coverage for the medication.
B. Previous response to similar medications in a first-
degree relative.
, C. Baseline vital signs and growth parameters.
D. Patient’s favorite flavor of medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Baseline vital signs and growth parameters are
crucial to monitor for side effects like hypertension or
growth suppression. Insurance coverage and taste are
secondary; family history may inform risk but is not as
critical as baseline clinical data.
Q3. In integrated behavioral health, the role of
psychotropic medications is to:
A. Replace all behavioral interventions.
B. Complement psychosocial treatments for
comprehensive care.
C. Serve only when therapy fails.
D. Be prescribed exclusively by psychiatrists.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Psychotropic medications complement
psychosocial interventions to optimize outcomes. They
do not replace therapy, are not reserved strictly for
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. A 12-year-old patient with ADHD is starting
stimulant therapy. Which principle best guides initial
dosing?
A. Begin with a moderate dose to assess efficacy quickly.
B. Start at the maximum recommended dose to avoid
underdosing.
C. Start low and titrate slowly to monitor tolerability.
D. Use weight-based dosing only without titration.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Core prescribing principles emphasize "start
low, go slow" to identify the minimum effective dose
while minimizing side effects. Moderate or maximum
starting doses increase risk of adverse events, and
weight-based dosing should be combined with titration.
Q2. Which safety consideration is most important
before prescribing a psychotropic to a child?
A. Insurance coverage for the medication.
B. Previous response to similar medications in a first-
degree relative.
, C. Baseline vital signs and growth parameters.
D. Patient’s favorite flavor of medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Baseline vital signs and growth parameters are
crucial to monitor for side effects like hypertension or
growth suppression. Insurance coverage and taste are
secondary; family history may inform risk but is not as
critical as baseline clinical data.
Q3. In integrated behavioral health, the role of
psychotropic medications is to:
A. Replace all behavioral interventions.
B. Complement psychosocial treatments for
comprehensive care.
C. Serve only when therapy fails.
D. Be prescribed exclusively by psychiatrists.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Psychotropic medications complement
psychosocial interventions to optimize outcomes. They
do not replace therapy, are not reserved strictly for
