,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 10-year-old child with mild anxiety is being
considered for pharmacotherapy. Which of the following
guiding principles is most important before prescribing a
psychotropic medication? A. Prescribing based solely on
adult dosing guidelines. B. Ensuring nonpharmacologic
interventions have been maximized. C. Choosing the
newest medication on the market. D. Implementing a
rapid dose escalation to reach therapeutic levels quickly.
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Nonpharmacologic
interventions (e.g., therapy, behavioral strategies) should
be optimized before initiating medication in children;
prescribing solely by adult guidelines ignores pediatric
safety; choosing a new drug without evidence overlooks
established efficacy; rapid escalation increases risk of
adverse effects.
Q2. Which principle best illustrates the “start low, go
slow” approach in pediatric psychopharmacology? A.
Initiating treatment at half the usual dose and titrating
every week. B. Beginning at the adult recommended
dose for efficiency. C. Initiating at twice the standard
pediatric dose to assess tolerance. D. Prescribing the
, highest tolerable dose immediately. Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Starting at a lower-than-typical pediatric dose
and slowly titrating minimizes adverse effects; adult
dosing is inappropriate; higher doses increase risk;
immediate high dosing violates safety principles.
Q3. Which statement reflects an update introduced in the
third edition related to informed consent? A. Written
consent is no longer recommended for any psychotropic
prescription. B. Emphasis on discussing medication side
effects in age-appropriate language. C. Consent forms
should exclude any discussion of off-label use. D. Families
are discouraged from asking questions to avoid
confusion. Correct Answer: B Rationale: The third edition
highlights using developmentally appropriate language
when discussing risks/benefits; written consent may still
be valuable; excluding off-label use hides important
information; families should be encouraged to ask
questions.
Q4. In integrated care models, the primary care
provider’s role in psychopharmacology includes: A.
Prescribing without consulting mental health specialists.
B. Coordinating care and monitoring medication effects.
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 10-year-old child with mild anxiety is being
considered for pharmacotherapy. Which of the following
guiding principles is most important before prescribing a
psychotropic medication? A. Prescribing based solely on
adult dosing guidelines. B. Ensuring nonpharmacologic
interventions have been maximized. C. Choosing the
newest medication on the market. D. Implementing a
rapid dose escalation to reach therapeutic levels quickly.
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Nonpharmacologic
interventions (e.g., therapy, behavioral strategies) should
be optimized before initiating medication in children;
prescribing solely by adult guidelines ignores pediatric
safety; choosing a new drug without evidence overlooks
established efficacy; rapid escalation increases risk of
adverse effects.
Q2. Which principle best illustrates the “start low, go
slow” approach in pediatric psychopharmacology? A.
Initiating treatment at half the usual dose and titrating
every week. B. Beginning at the adult recommended
dose for efficiency. C. Initiating at twice the standard
pediatric dose to assess tolerance. D. Prescribing the
, highest tolerable dose immediately. Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Starting at a lower-than-typical pediatric dose
and slowly titrating minimizes adverse effects; adult
dosing is inappropriate; higher doses increase risk;
immediate high dosing violates safety principles.
Q3. Which statement reflects an update introduced in the
third edition related to informed consent? A. Written
consent is no longer recommended for any psychotropic
prescription. B. Emphasis on discussing medication side
effects in age-appropriate language. C. Consent forms
should exclude any discussion of off-label use. D. Families
are discouraged from asking questions to avoid
confusion. Correct Answer: B Rationale: The third edition
highlights using developmentally appropriate language
when discussing risks/benefits; written consent may still
be valuable; excluding off-label use hides important
information; families should be encouraged to ask
questions.
Q4. In integrated care models, the primary care
provider’s role in psychopharmacology includes: A.
Prescribing without consulting mental health specialists.
B. Coordinating care and monitoring medication effects.
