,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 a psychotropic medication in a child,
the principle of "start low, go slow" primarily helps to: A.
Expedite therapeutic onset B. Minimize adverse effects C.
Reduce need for laboratory monitoring D. Improve
insurance coverage approval
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Starting at a low dose and
titrating slowly decreases the risk of dose-related side
effects in children. Rapid dose escalation can increase
adverse events (B). Options A, C, and D are not the main
purposes of this core prescribing principle.
Q2. In integrated care, the primary role of psychotropic
medications for pediatric patients is to: A. Replace
behavioral therapies entirely B. Provide symptomatic
relief enabling participation in therapy C. Serve as first-
line monotherapy for all psychiatric conditions D. Reduce
the need for primary care follow-up
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Psychotropic drugs in
integrated care often alleviate symptoms, improving a
child’s ability to engage in psychotherapeutic
, interventions (B). They do not replace therapy (A), nor
are they universally first-line (C), and they do not
eliminate follow-up needs (D).
Q3. Which safety consideration must be addressed
before prescribing SSRIs to adolescents? A. Cardiac
conduction studies B. Black box warning for increased
suicidal ideation C. Baseline liver biopsy D. Renal
ultrasound
Correct Answer: B Rationale: SSRIs carry an FDA black
box warning for potential increase in suicidal thoughts in
youth (B). Routine cardiac, liver biopsy, or renal imaging
are not standard pre-SSRI requirements (A, C, D
incorrect).
Q4. Obtaining informed consent in pediatric
psychopharmacology requires: A. Only parental signature
B. Child assent when developmentally appropriate C.
Verbal consent without documentation D. No discussion
of side 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. Before initiating a psychotropic medication in a child,
the principle of "start low, go slow" primarily helps to: A.
Expedite therapeutic onset B. Minimize adverse effects C.
Reduce need for laboratory monitoring D. Improve
insurance coverage approval
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Starting at a low dose and
titrating slowly decreases the risk of dose-related side
effects in children. Rapid dose escalation can increase
adverse events (B). Options A, C, and D are not the main
purposes of this core prescribing principle.
Q2. In integrated care, the primary role of psychotropic
medications for pediatric patients is to: A. Replace
behavioral therapies entirely B. Provide symptomatic
relief enabling participation in therapy C. Serve as first-
line monotherapy for all psychiatric conditions D. Reduce
the need for primary care follow-up
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Psychotropic drugs in
integrated care often alleviate symptoms, improving a
child’s ability to engage in psychotherapeutic
, interventions (B). They do not replace therapy (A), nor
are they universally first-line (C), and they do not
eliminate follow-up needs (D).
Q3. Which safety consideration must be addressed
before prescribing SSRIs to adolescents? A. Cardiac
conduction studies B. Black box warning for increased
suicidal ideation C. Baseline liver biopsy D. Renal
ultrasound
Correct Answer: B Rationale: SSRIs carry an FDA black
box warning for potential increase in suicidal thoughts in
youth (B). Routine cardiac, liver biopsy, or renal imaging
are not standard pre-SSRI requirements (A, C, D
incorrect).
Q4. Obtaining informed consent in pediatric
psychopharmacology requires: A. Only parental signature
B. Child assent when developmentally appropriate C.
Verbal consent without documentation D. No discussion
of side effects
