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. Which guiding principle emphasizes the importance
of initiating psychotropic medication at the lowest
effective dose and titrating slowly in pediatric patients?
A. "First, do no harm" B. "Start low, go slow" C. "One size
fits all" D. "Maximum tolerated dose"
Correct Answer: B Rationale: The "start low, go slow"
principle is fundamental in pediatric
psychopharmacology to minimize adverse effects and
identify the minimal effective dose. "First, do no harm" is
an overarching bioethical concept, but does not specify
dosing strategy. "One size fits all" and "maximum
tolerated dose" contradict individualized, cautious
titration.
Q2. Prior to prescribing any psychotropic medication,
pediatric primary care providers must assess all EXCEPT:
A. Baseline vital signs B. Mental status examination C.
Liver and renal function tests (when indicated) D. Genetic
testing for every patient
, Correct Answer: D Rationale: Baseline vitals, mental
status, and organ function tests (if needed) are part of
safety assessment. Routine genetic testing for every
patient is not a universal requirement but may be
indicated selectively (e.g., pharmacogenomics).
Q3. Integrated care models highlight the role of
psychotropic medication as: A. The sole treatment
modality B. One component of multidisciplinary
management C. A replacement for psychosocial
interventions D. An alternative to behavioral therapy
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Integrated care uses
medication alongside psychotherapy, family support, and
educational interventions. It is not intended to replace
psychosocial therapies or serve as the only modality.
Q4. Informed consent in pediatric psychopharmacology
should include all of the following EXCEPT: A. Discussion
of potential benefits B. Description of possible side
effects C. Guarantee of symptom resolution D.
Explanation of monitoring plan