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 minimizing dose
increments to reduce adverse effects when initiating
psychotropic medication in children? A. Maximum
tolerated dose principle B. Start low, go slow principle C.
Fixed dosing principle D. Rapid titration principle Correct
Answer: B Rationale: The "start low, go slow" principle
recommends beginning at a low dose and increasing
gradually to minimize side effects (Correct). The
maximum tolerated dose principle (A) focuses on
achieving the highest dose a patient can tolerate, not
minimizing increments. Fixed dosing (C) uses standard
doses without individualized titration. Rapid titration (D)
increases dose quickly, raising risk of adverse effects.
Q2. Before prescribing psychotropic medication, which
safety consideration is most critical in pediatric patients?
A. Adult efficacy data B. Weight-based dosing and
pharmacokinetics C. Patient’s favorite flavor D. Insurance
formulary restrictions Correct Answer: B Rationale:
Pediatric dosing must account for weight and
developmental pharmacokinetics to ensure safety and
efficacy (Correct). Adult efficacy data (A) may not
, extrapolate to children. Flavor preferences (C) improve
adherence but are secondary to safety. Insurance
restrictions (D) affect access but not direct safety
considerations.
Q3. Integrated care models highlight the role of
psychotropic medications as: A. First-line standalone
treatments without behavioral support B. Adjuncts to
psychotherapy and other interventions C. Replacements
for family education D. Indicators of primary care failure
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Psychotropic medications in
integrated care serve as adjunctive tools alongside
psychotherapy, educational and social interventions
(Correct). They are not standalone (A), do not replace
family education (C), and their use does not represent
failure of primary care (D).
Q4. Informed consent in pediatric psychopharmacology
should include discussion of all EXCEPT: A. Potential
benefits and risks of medication B. Off-label use and
evidence base C. Alternative nonpharmacologic
interventions D. Prescriber’s personal medication
preferences Correct Answer: D Rationale: Informed
consent must cover benefits, risks, off-label