,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.
Section A: Guiding Psychopharmacology Principles (Q1–
Q10)
1. Start Low, Go Slow
Q1. Which of the following best illustrates "start low,
go slow" when initiating a psychotropic in children?
o A. Prescribe adult dose then reduce if side
effects
o B. Begin with the lowest effective dose and
titrate up per response
o C. Start moderate dose to speed efficacy
o D. Use highest pediatric dose immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Initiating at a low dose minimizes
side effects and allows careful titration. Others
risk unnecessary adverse events.
2. Minimize Polypharmacy
Q2. Which principle emphasizes minimizing
polypharmacy?
, o A. Combination therapy first-line
o B. Limit to one medication whenever possible
o C. Multiple agents for rapid control
o D. Rotate meds biweekly Answer: B
Rationale: Reduces interactions and cumulative
toxicity; other strategies increase risk.
3. Individualize Treatment
Q3. A core principle of pediatric
psychopharmacology is to:
o A. Maximize dose immediately
o B. Individualize based on patient variables
o C. Use uniform dosing for all
o D. Skip baseline assessments Answer: B
Rationale: Tailoring to age, weight,
comorbidities ensures safety and efficacy.
4. Least Invasive First
Q4. The "least invasive intervention first" principle
advises:
o A. High-dose meds before therapy
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.
Section A: Guiding Psychopharmacology Principles (Q1–
Q10)
1. Start Low, Go Slow
Q1. Which of the following best illustrates "start low,
go slow" when initiating a psychotropic in children?
o A. Prescribe adult dose then reduce if side
effects
o B. Begin with the lowest effective dose and
titrate up per response
o C. Start moderate dose to speed efficacy
o D. Use highest pediatric dose immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Initiating at a low dose minimizes
side effects and allows careful titration. Others
risk unnecessary adverse events.
2. Minimize Polypharmacy
Q2. Which principle emphasizes minimizing
polypharmacy?
, o A. Combination therapy first-line
o B. Limit to one medication whenever possible
o C. Multiple agents for rapid control
o D. Rotate meds biweekly Answer: B
Rationale: Reduces interactions and cumulative
toxicity; other strategies increase risk.
3. Individualize Treatment
Q3. A core principle of pediatric
psychopharmacology is to:
o A. Maximize dose immediately
o B. Individualize based on patient variables
o C. Use uniform dosing for all
o D. Skip baseline assessments Answer: B
Rationale: Tailoring to age, weight,
comorbidities ensures safety and efficacy.
4. Least Invasive First
Q4. The "least invasive intervention first" principle
advises:
o A. High-dose meds before therapy
