It is suggested that the so-called paradoxical calming or depressant effects of amphetamine on hyperactive children can be accounted for by the proposition that amphetamines increase arousal when the initial arousal level is low but decrease arousal when the initial level is high. (Author)

The role of pharmacologic agents in the treatment of learning and behavior disorders in children is discussed with respect to the biological basis of these disorders. Illustrative studies dealing with autonomic reactivity and cortical excitability as reflected in the cortical evoked response are presented. The question of the combined effects of…

The author presents a "working model" approach to use with parents in explaining the nature of their reading/learning disabled child's problem, with particular emphasis on medication intervention. Ten misconceptions regarding attentional deficit disorder (ADD) are addressed: (1) a neurological examination and a brain wave test are essential in…

A review of eight long-term studies on the effects of stimulant drugs on the academic performance of hyperactive and learning disabled children reveals that seven studies confirmed that stimulants do not enhance academic achievement, at least in terms of changing adolescent or adult outcome. (CL)

Research is reviewed regarding the effects of stimulant drugs on academic performance in children who are hyperactive, learning disabled, or both hyperactive and learning disabled. Among conclusions are that, while stimulants may increase, academic test scores are not particularly great, and clincial implications for adults appear minimal.…

Reviewed were several research studies using varying dosages of methylphenidate (Ritalin) in contrast with thioridazine and amphetamine under various behavioral conditions and situations with hyperactive, emotionally disturbed, and learning disabled children. Results from the studies with hyperactive children indicated that drug treatment was…

Reviews literature that describes the rational and nonrational factors sustaining the myth that stimulant medication is ineffective for hyperactive adolescents. Discusses methodological problems and factors--such as increasing size, misbehavior and misattribution, and perceived relationship to drug abuse--that influence treatment decisions. (JAC)

The differential effect of amphetamine optical isomers on Bender Gestalt performance was examined in 31 hyperkinetic minimally brain dysfunctioned children between the ages of 4 and 12 years, using a double-blind Latin-square crossover comparison. (Author)

The article reviews the literature on possible growth-suppressing effects of stimulation medications in the long-term treatment of children with the hyperkinetic behavior syndrome. Journal available from Arthur Retlaw & Associates, Inc., Suite 2080, 1603 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201 (Author/PHR)

The paper reviews educational, medical, and psychopharmacological research concerning the academic, behavioral, and psychological responses of hyperactive children to stimulant medication. In Chapter 1 on the problem and plan of study, brief sections are included on the educational community's lack of knowledge regarding stimulant medication, the…

Intended for caregivers, the book provides basic information about the use of medication for children with hyperactivity, learning disabilities, and mental retardation. The main emphasis is on psychotropic drug use for hyperactivity and aggressiveness. Chapter 1 explains fundamental terms and concepts relating to drug therapy. Major stresses…

Critically reviewed is research on the use of stimulant drugs with hyperactive and otherwise learning disabled children. (Author/DB)

Debate continues over the hypothesis that children with language or literacy difficulties have a genuine auditory processing deficit. Several recent studies have reported deficits in frequency discrimination (FD), but it is unclear whether these are genuine perceptual impairments or reflective of the comorbid attentional problems that exist in…