Hyperactivity is defined, and the relationships among minimal brain dysfunction, cerebral stimulants, and student characteristics such as activity level, attention and learning, and behavior are discussed. Hyperactive children's responses to the use of Ritalin and methylphenidate are reported. (CJ)

The clinical syndrome which relates most frequently to the reading-disabled child is the attention deficity disorder. The child psychiatrist will generally resort to medication only when behavioral management techniques have failed. The two most frequently used medications are Ritalin and Dexedrine, central nervous system stimulants. (JN)