Psychopharmacology & Mental Health Exam Questions –
Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use, ADHD, Sleep
Disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease|Latest Update Complete
Questions with A+ Graded Answers
Monoamine Hypothesis of Depression
Depression caused by monoamine neurotransmission deficiency.
Monoamine Receptor Hypothesis
Abnormal receptors for monoamines may cause depression.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Combine antidepressants with mood stabilizers.
SNRI Monitoring
Check blood pressure before and during treatment.
SSRIs and Suicide Risk
Increased risk in children and under 25.
Escitalopram
SSRI with least CYP interactions.
Fluoxetine Half-Life
Longest half-life, 1-2 weeks.
Paroxetine Risks
Contraindicated in pregnancy, causes congenital defects.
Sertraline Safety
Safe for nursing and breastfeeding.
Bupropion
Lowest risk of sexual side effects among antidepressants.
Serotonin Syndrome
Caused by combining serotonergic drugs.
, MAOIs
Inhibit enzyme deactivating dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin.
MAOI Black Box Warning
Suicidal ideation risk in young adults.
L-Methylfolate
Necessary for monoamine synthesis; often deficient.
Citalopram Dosage in Older Adults
Should be given at half dose.
Antidepressants and Older Adults
May respond less robustly after age 65.
FDA Antidepressant Warning
Labeling includes risk of mood switch to mania.
Lithium Carbonate Dosage
Starting dose reduced by 50% in renal impairment.
Infant Irritability Monitoring
Important when prescribing SNRIs during breastfeeding.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Avoid with other CNS depressants.
Lurasidone Administration
Take with at least 350 calories for absorption.
Mood Stabilizers Monitoring
Requires baseline and routine laboratory checks.
Antidepressants and Suicide Risk
Increase risk of death by suicide in youth.
Adjunctive Treatment
L-Methylfolate may help alongside antidepressants.
Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use, ADHD, Sleep
Disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease|Latest Update Complete
Questions with A+ Graded Answers
Monoamine Hypothesis of Depression
Depression caused by monoamine neurotransmission deficiency.
Monoamine Receptor Hypothesis
Abnormal receptors for monoamines may cause depression.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Combine antidepressants with mood stabilizers.
SNRI Monitoring
Check blood pressure before and during treatment.
SSRIs and Suicide Risk
Increased risk in children and under 25.
Escitalopram
SSRI with least CYP interactions.
Fluoxetine Half-Life
Longest half-life, 1-2 weeks.
Paroxetine Risks
Contraindicated in pregnancy, causes congenital defects.
Sertraline Safety
Safe for nursing and breastfeeding.
Bupropion
Lowest risk of sexual side effects among antidepressants.
Serotonin Syndrome
Caused by combining serotonergic drugs.
, MAOIs
Inhibit enzyme deactivating dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin.
MAOI Black Box Warning
Suicidal ideation risk in young adults.
L-Methylfolate
Necessary for monoamine synthesis; often deficient.
Citalopram Dosage in Older Adults
Should be given at half dose.
Antidepressants and Older Adults
May respond less robustly after age 65.
FDA Antidepressant Warning
Labeling includes risk of mood switch to mania.
Lithium Carbonate Dosage
Starting dose reduced by 50% in renal impairment.
Infant Irritability Monitoring
Important when prescribing SNRIs during breastfeeding.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Avoid with other CNS depressants.
Lurasidone Administration
Take with at least 350 calories for absorption.
Mood Stabilizers Monitoring
Requires baseline and routine laboratory checks.
Antidepressants and Suicide Risk
Increase risk of death by suicide in youth.
Adjunctive Treatment
L-Methylfolate may help alongside antidepressants.
