,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. Which guiding principle emphasizes that pediatric
dosing often must be individualized rather than simply
weight-scaled from adult doses?
A. Therapeutic drug monitoring
B. “Start low, go slow”
C. Dose equivalence
D. Titration to effect
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: “Start low, go slow” highlights cautious
initiation and gradual titration in children to account for
developmental pharmacokinetics. Therapeutic drug
monitoring (A) is adjunctive rather than a dosing
principle. Dose equivalence (C) refers to comparing
agents, not initial dosing strategy. Titration to effect (D)
occurs after initiation.
Q2. Which principle underpins the necessity of evaluating
both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic differences
in children?
A. Safety first
B. Age-related changes
, C. Informed consent
D. Polypharmacy reduction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Age-related changes recognize developmental
differences in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion. Safety first (A) is overarching but not specific to
PK/PD. Informed consent (C) concerns patient/family
education. Polypharmacy reduction (D) addresses
medication burden, not developmental physiology.
Q3. Before prescribing a psychotropic, the provider
should assess which of the following as a core safety
consideration?
A. Baseline laboratory tests
B. Insurance coverage
C. Patient’s school performance
D. Caregiver employment status
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Baseline labs (e.g., metabolic profile, CBC) are
essential to monitor adverse effects. Insurance (B) and
school performance (C) may influence adherence but
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 that pediatric
dosing often must be individualized rather than simply
weight-scaled from adult doses?
A. Therapeutic drug monitoring
B. “Start low, go slow”
C. Dose equivalence
D. Titration to effect
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: “Start low, go slow” highlights cautious
initiation and gradual titration in children to account for
developmental pharmacokinetics. Therapeutic drug
monitoring (A) is adjunctive rather than a dosing
principle. Dose equivalence (C) refers to comparing
agents, not initial dosing strategy. Titration to effect (D)
occurs after initiation.
Q2. Which principle underpins the necessity of evaluating
both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic differences
in children?
A. Safety first
B. Age-related changes
, C. Informed consent
D. Polypharmacy reduction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Age-related changes recognize developmental
differences in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion. Safety first (A) is overarching but not specific to
PK/PD. Informed consent (C) concerns patient/family
education. Polypharmacy reduction (D) addresses
medication burden, not developmental physiology.
Q3. Before prescribing a psychotropic, the provider
should assess which of the following as a core safety
consideration?
A. Baseline laboratory tests
B. Insurance coverage
C. Patient’s school performance
D. Caregiver employment status
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Baseline labs (e.g., metabolic profile, CBC) are
essential to monitor adverse effects. Insurance (B) and
school performance (C) may influence adherence but
