,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. When initiating psychopharmacologic treatment in a
pediatric patient, which principle best guides dosing? A.
Use the highest tolerated dose from the outset. B. Start
low and go slow. C. Match adult doses scaled by weight
without adjustment. D. Begin with fixed-dose regimens
proven in adults.
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Pediatric prescribing
follows a “start low, go slow” principle to minimize
adverse effects and gauge individual tolerance. Option A
risks toxicity; Option C ignores developmental
pharmacokinetics; Option D may not account for
pediatric differences.
Q2. Before prescribing a psychotropic medication, which
safety consideration is most critical in children? A.
Reviewing adult efficacy data only. B. Assessing the child’s
hepatic and renal function. C. Confirming parental
preference for brand name. D. Scheduling a monthly
blood draw for all medications.
, Correct Answer: B Rationale: Liver and kidney function
affect drug metabolism and clearance; evaluating these
organs is essential. Adult data alone (A) is insufficient;
brand preference (C) is secondary; routine blood draws
(D) depend on specific agent risk profiles.
Q3. Which component is essential in informed consent
for pediatric psychopharmacology? A. Detailed
pharmacokinetic equations B. Discussion of potential
benefits and risks C. Guarantee of symptom resolution D.
Parental agreement without patient involvement
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Informed consent requires
clear discussion of benefits and risks. Pharmacokinetic
equations (A) are too technical; guarantees (C) are
unethical; excluding the child (D) ignores assent
principles.
Q4. Integrated care models emphasize the role of
psychotropic medications primarily to: A. Replace
behavioral therapies. B. Complement psychosocial
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. When initiating psychopharmacologic treatment in a
pediatric patient, which principle best guides dosing? A.
Use the highest tolerated dose from the outset. B. Start
low and go slow. C. Match adult doses scaled by weight
without adjustment. D. Begin with fixed-dose regimens
proven in adults.
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Pediatric prescribing
follows a “start low, go slow” principle to minimize
adverse effects and gauge individual tolerance. Option A
risks toxicity; Option C ignores developmental
pharmacokinetics; Option D may not account for
pediatric differences.
Q2. Before prescribing a psychotropic medication, which
safety consideration is most critical in children? A.
Reviewing adult efficacy data only. B. Assessing the child’s
hepatic and renal function. C. Confirming parental
preference for brand name. D. Scheduling a monthly
blood draw for all medications.
, Correct Answer: B Rationale: Liver and kidney function
affect drug metabolism and clearance; evaluating these
organs is essential. Adult data alone (A) is insufficient;
brand preference (C) is secondary; routine blood draws
(D) depend on specific agent risk profiles.
Q3. Which component is essential in informed consent
for pediatric psychopharmacology? A. Detailed
pharmacokinetic equations B. Discussion of potential
benefits and risks C. Guarantee of symptom resolution D.
Parental agreement without patient involvement
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Informed consent requires
clear discussion of benefits and risks. Pharmacokinetic
equations (A) are too technical; guarantees (C) are
unethical; excluding the child (D) ignores assent
principles.
Q4. Integrated care models emphasize the role of
psychotropic medications primarily to: A. Replace
behavioral therapies. B. Complement psychosocial
