,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 pediatric
patient, which principle is MOST important to establish?
A. Begin at the standard adult dose.
B. Confirm a definitive psychiatric diagnosis.
C. Prioritize pharmacologic treatment over behavioral
interventions.
D. Skip baseline laboratory tests if clinically stable.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Establishing a valid diagnosis ensures the
medication targets the correct condition. A is incorrect
(pediatrics requires dosing adjustments), C is wrong
(integrated care prioritizes nonpharmacologic first), and
D is incorrect (baseline labs—e.g., metabolic profile—are
often needed before certain meds).
Q2. The “start low, go slow” principle primarily addresses
which concern?
A. Minimizing insurance denials
B. Reducing risk of adverse effects
C. Ensuring rapid symptom relief
D. Avoiding off-label prescribing
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Titrating slowly decreases side-effect burden.
A is unrelated; C contradicts the slow approach; D is
about labeling, not dose titration.
Q3. Which element of informed consent is UNIQUE in
pediatric psychopharmacology?
A. Discussing potential drug–drug interactions
B. Explaining mechanism of action
C. Involving both patient assent and parental permission
D. Reviewing generic versus brand options
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Children must assent while guardians provide
permission. A, B, and D are standard for all ages.
Q4. An update in the third edition highlights the use of
telepsychiatry. This reflects:
A. A shift away from medication toward therapy
B. Integration of digital health tools in care
C. Elimination of in-person monitoring
D. A new class of psychotropics
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 pediatric
patient, which principle is MOST important to establish?
A. Begin at the standard adult dose.
B. Confirm a definitive psychiatric diagnosis.
C. Prioritize pharmacologic treatment over behavioral
interventions.
D. Skip baseline laboratory tests if clinically stable.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Establishing a valid diagnosis ensures the
medication targets the correct condition. A is incorrect
(pediatrics requires dosing adjustments), C is wrong
(integrated care prioritizes nonpharmacologic first), and
D is incorrect (baseline labs—e.g., metabolic profile—are
often needed before certain meds).
Q2. The “start low, go slow” principle primarily addresses
which concern?
A. Minimizing insurance denials
B. Reducing risk of adverse effects
C. Ensuring rapid symptom relief
D. Avoiding off-label prescribing
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Titrating slowly decreases side-effect burden.
A is unrelated; C contradicts the slow approach; D is
about labeling, not dose titration.
Q3. Which element of informed consent is UNIQUE in
pediatric psychopharmacology?
A. Discussing potential drug–drug interactions
B. Explaining mechanism of action
C. Involving both patient assent and parental permission
D. Reviewing generic versus brand options
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Children must assent while guardians provide
permission. A, B, and D are standard for all ages.
Q4. An update in the third edition highlights the use of
telepsychiatry. This reflects:
A. A shift away from medication toward therapy
B. Integration of digital health tools in care
C. Elimination of in-person monitoring
D. A new class of psychotropics
