,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: Safety Assessments & Pre-Prescribing
Evaluation (Q1–Q10)
Q1. When initiating a psychotropic in a child, the "start
low, go slow" strategy means: A. Using adult starting
doses and adjusting rapidly B. Beginning at the minimal
effective dose and titrating gradually C. Starting at a
midrange dose to save time D. Doubling the dose every
24 hours
Q2. The most crucial assessment before prescribing any
psychotropic to a child involves: A. Verifying insurance
coverage B. A detailed review of medical and
developmental history C. Checking pharmacy stock D.
Evaluating the child’s academic grades
Q3. Before prescribing stimulants, a safety measure is: A.
Ordering an ECG if cardiac risk factors exist B. Starting at
maximum dose to evaluate response quickly C. Skipping
appetite-related counseling D. Overlooking family cardiac
history
Q4. Safety and efficacy considerations include reviewing:
A. Pediatric-specific clinical trial data when available B.
, Only adult trial results C. Marketing brochures D.
Unverified online anecdotes
Q5. Baseline evaluation should include all EXCEPT: A.
Child’s favorite activities B. Medical comorbidities C.
Developmental milestones D. Medication history
Q6. Before prescribing mood stabilizers like lithium,
baseline testing should include: A. Renal and thyroid
function B. Only psychiatric history C. Skipping lab
monitoring if asymptomatic D. Monitoring symptoms
without labs
Q7. A core safety principle for antipsychotics requires
monitoring: A. Metabolic parameters (weight, glucose,
lipids) B. Only psychiatric symptoms C. Ignoring physical
health D. Checking only blood pressure
Q8. A safety principle in SSRI prescribing is to: A. Model
black box warning discussions with families B. Assume
patients know risks C. Avoid discussing emergent
thoughts D. Overlook monitoring schedules
Q9. Safety monitoring plans must define: A. Schedule for
labs, vital signs, and symptom review B. Only when
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: Safety Assessments & Pre-Prescribing
Evaluation (Q1–Q10)
Q1. When initiating a psychotropic in a child, the "start
low, go slow" strategy means: A. Using adult starting
doses and adjusting rapidly B. Beginning at the minimal
effective dose and titrating gradually C. Starting at a
midrange dose to save time D. Doubling the dose every
24 hours
Q2. The most crucial assessment before prescribing any
psychotropic to a child involves: A. Verifying insurance
coverage B. A detailed review of medical and
developmental history C. Checking pharmacy stock D.
Evaluating the child’s academic grades
Q3. Before prescribing stimulants, a safety measure is: A.
Ordering an ECG if cardiac risk factors exist B. Starting at
maximum dose to evaluate response quickly C. Skipping
appetite-related counseling D. Overlooking family cardiac
history
Q4. Safety and efficacy considerations include reviewing:
A. Pediatric-specific clinical trial data when available B.
, Only adult trial results C. Marketing brochures D.
Unverified online anecdotes
Q5. Baseline evaluation should include all EXCEPT: A.
Child’s favorite activities B. Medical comorbidities C.
Developmental milestones D. Medication history
Q6. Before prescribing mood stabilizers like lithium,
baseline testing should include: A. Renal and thyroid
function B. Only psychiatric history C. Skipping lab
monitoring if asymptomatic D. Monitoring symptoms
without labs
Q7. A core safety principle for antipsychotics requires
monitoring: A. Metabolic parameters (weight, glucose,
lipids) B. Only psychiatric symptoms C. Ignoring physical
health D. Checking only blood pressure
Q8. A safety principle in SSRI prescribing is to: A. Model
black box warning discussions with families B. Assume
patients know risks C. Avoid discussing emergent
thoughts D. Overlook monitoring schedules
Q9. Safety monitoring plans must define: A. Schedule for
labs, vital signs, and symptom review B. Only when
