,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 child, the
principle “start low, go slow” primarily helps to:
A. Reduce liability for the provider
B. Achieve therapeutic blood levels more rapidly
C. Minimize adverse effects and identify the minimal
effective dose
D. Prevent interactions with over-the-counter
supplements
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Titrating slowly allows the clinician to observe
tolerability and efficacy, reducing side effects and finding
the lowest dose that works. Options A and D are
secondary, and B is opposite (it slows attainment).
Q2. Which of the following is not a core safety
consideration before prescribing psychotropics in primary
care?
A. Reviewing family history of cardiac arrhythmias
B. Baseline laboratory evaluation when indicated
, C. Ensuring the clinic has 24-hour on-call psychiatric
backup
D. Screening for substance use
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: While good practice, 24-hour psychiatric
backup isn’t required before prescribing; the others—
family cardiac history, labs, and substance screening—are
essential safety checks.
Q3. Integrated care models emphasize that psychotropic
prescribing in pediatrics should:
A. Occur only after psychiatric referral
B. Be coordinated with behavioral and psychosocial
interventions
C. Replace therapy when medication is available
D. Rely solely on standardized rating scales
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Integrated care blends medication with
psychotherapy, school interventions, and family support.
A is false as primary care can initiate; C wrongly devalues
therapy; D overemphasizes scales.
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 child, the
principle “start low, go slow” primarily helps to:
A. Reduce liability for the provider
B. Achieve therapeutic blood levels more rapidly
C. Minimize adverse effects and identify the minimal
effective dose
D. Prevent interactions with over-the-counter
supplements
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Titrating slowly allows the clinician to observe
tolerability and efficacy, reducing side effects and finding
the lowest dose that works. Options A and D are
secondary, and B is opposite (it slows attainment).
Q2. Which of the following is not a core safety
consideration before prescribing psychotropics in primary
care?
A. Reviewing family history of cardiac arrhythmias
B. Baseline laboratory evaluation when indicated
, C. Ensuring the clinic has 24-hour on-call psychiatric
backup
D. Screening for substance use
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: While good practice, 24-hour psychiatric
backup isn’t required before prescribing; the others—
family cardiac history, labs, and substance screening—are
essential safety checks.
Q3. Integrated care models emphasize that psychotropic
prescribing in pediatrics should:
A. Occur only after psychiatric referral
B. Be coordinated with behavioral and psychosocial
interventions
C. Replace therapy when medication is available
D. Rely solely on standardized rating scales
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Integrated care blends medication with
psychotherapy, school interventions, and family support.
A is false as primary care can initiate; C wrongly devalues
therapy; D overemphasizes scales.
