Two technical studies involving the drugs dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, and magnesium pemoline were reported in regard to the psychological characteristics and effects of stimulant drugs in children with minimal brain injuries. (CB)

The study compared the efficacy, side effects, and safety of magnesium pemoline (Cylert) and destroamphetamine (Dexedrine) as compared with placebo. Subjects were 81 children, ages 6-12 years, who evidenced one or more signs of minimal brain dysfunction, and were referred with major complaints of hyperactivity, short attention span,…

Two studies of a visual-motor tracking task purported to effectively discriminate subtypes of minimal brain dysfunction are presented. Subjects were psychiatric inpatients, hyperactive males, and normal controls. The tracking task was found to be a useful measure of stimulant drug action but not of specific hyperkinetic defects. (Author/SJL)