,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 child, the core
“start low, go slow” principle implies that you should:
A. Begin at the FDA-approved pediatric dosage and adjust
rapidly.
B. Start at a fraction of the usual dose and titrate upward
after several weeks.
C. Prescribe the adult dose and divide it by the child’s
weight.
D. Use the highest tolerable dose to test efficacy quickly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: “Start low, go slow” means initiating at a low
fraction of target dose, then slowly increasing (often
every 1–2 weeks) to balance efficacy and tolerability. A is
incorrect because FDA pediatric doses may already be
too high for sensitive children. C and D risk toxicity.
Q2. Which is the single most critical safety consideration
in pediatric psychopharmacology?
A. Insurance coverage
B. Long-term growth and developmental monitoring
C. Brand versus generic formulations
, D. Medication cost to family
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Children’s ongoing physical and
neurodevelopment must be monitored (e.g., height,
weight, metabolic labs). Insurance or cost concerns are
secondary to safety; brand versus generic rarely alters
safety.
Q3. Integrated care models emphasize that psychotropic
prescribing by primary care should be:
A. Solely managed by child psychiatrists.
B. Coordinated with behavioral therapists and schools.
C. Avoided; primary care should only refer out.
D. Restricted to medications listed in formulary.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Integrated care bridges prescribers, therapists,
educators to optimize outcomes. A and C neglect PCP
roles; D is administrative, not clinical coordination.
Q4. Informed consent for pediatric psychotropics must
always include:
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 child, the core
“start low, go slow” principle implies that you should:
A. Begin at the FDA-approved pediatric dosage and adjust
rapidly.
B. Start at a fraction of the usual dose and titrate upward
after several weeks.
C. Prescribe the adult dose and divide it by the child’s
weight.
D. Use the highest tolerable dose to test efficacy quickly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: “Start low, go slow” means initiating at a low
fraction of target dose, then slowly increasing (often
every 1–2 weeks) to balance efficacy and tolerability. A is
incorrect because FDA pediatric doses may already be
too high for sensitive children. C and D risk toxicity.
Q2. Which is the single most critical safety consideration
in pediatric psychopharmacology?
A. Insurance coverage
B. Long-term growth and developmental monitoring
C. Brand versus generic formulations
, D. Medication cost to family
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Children’s ongoing physical and
neurodevelopment must be monitored (e.g., height,
weight, metabolic labs). Insurance or cost concerns are
secondary to safety; brand versus generic rarely alters
safety.
Q3. Integrated care models emphasize that psychotropic
prescribing by primary care should be:
A. Solely managed by child psychiatrists.
B. Coordinated with behavioral therapists and schools.
C. Avoided; primary care should only refer out.
D. Restricted to medications listed in formulary.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Integrated care bridges prescribers, therapists,
educators to optimize outcomes. A and C neglect PCP
roles; D is administrative, not clinical coordination.
Q4. Informed consent for pediatric psychotropics must
always include:
