,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 in a 10-year-old with
newly diagnosed ADHD, the primary care provider’s first
step should be to:
A. Order baseline ECG and liver function tests
B. Confirm diagnosis using standardized rating scales and
history
C. Start low-dose stimulant medication immediately
D. Obtain consent from child alone without family
involvement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
• B is correct: Guiding principles emphasize accurate
diagnosis via clinical interview, family history, and
rating scales before any pharmacotherapy.
• A is incorrect: ECG/LFTs are not routinely required
for ADHD medications unless risk factors exist.
• C is incorrect: Even with a likely diagnosis, clinical
confirmation precedes dosing.
• D is incorrect: Informed consent involves both child
(as appropriate) and family.
, Q2. The principle “start low, go slow” primarily
addresses:
A. Minimizing risk of adverse effects
B. Ensuring rapid symptom control
C. Preventing medication abuse
D. Reducing need for behavioral therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
• A is correct: Starting at a low dose and titrating
slowly reduces the chance and severity of side
effects.
• B is incorrect: Rapid control may conflict with slow
titration.
• C is incorrect: While careful dosing can limit misuse,
the principle is about safety.
• D is incorrect: Behavioral therapy remains important
regardless of dosing pace.
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 in a 10-year-old with
newly diagnosed ADHD, the primary care provider’s first
step should be to:
A. Order baseline ECG and liver function tests
B. Confirm diagnosis using standardized rating scales and
history
C. Start low-dose stimulant medication immediately
D. Obtain consent from child alone without family
involvement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
• B is correct: Guiding principles emphasize accurate
diagnosis via clinical interview, family history, and
rating scales before any pharmacotherapy.
• A is incorrect: ECG/LFTs are not routinely required
for ADHD medications unless risk factors exist.
• C is incorrect: Even with a likely diagnosis, clinical
confirmation precedes dosing.
• D is incorrect: Informed consent involves both child
(as appropriate) and family.
, Q2. The principle “start low, go slow” primarily
addresses:
A. Minimizing risk of adverse effects
B. Ensuring rapid symptom control
C. Preventing medication abuse
D. Reducing need for behavioral therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
• A is correct: Starting at a low dose and titrating
slowly reduces the chance and severity of side
effects.
• B is incorrect: Rapid control may conflict with slow
titration.
• C is incorrect: While careful dosing can limit misuse,
the principle is about safety.
• D is incorrect: Behavioral therapy remains important
regardless of dosing pace.
