When hyperactive boys were taking placebos, they were involved in more negative incidents, their handwriting was poorer, and their names were called more frequently than when the boys were taking methylphenidate. (Author)

Research on the effects of stimulant drugs on attention and cognitive deficits in children with hyperactivity is reviewed. Topics covered include: attention and impulsivity, paired associate learning, school achievement, and drug induced attention and cognitive deficits. (CL)

To aid in the identification and treatment of hyperkinesis, parent and teacher rating scales were developed. Analysis of parent ratings indicated three factors: excitability; motor coordination; and directed attention. Analysis of the teacher form yielded similar factors. Analysis of variance of each factor score revealed significant differences…

A state-of-the-art review of childhood hyperactivity, conclusions from empirical findings, and implications for clinical work are presented. Diagnosis and etiology of hyperactivity are explored with emphasis on the multivariate aspects of the disorder and the difficulty of specifying behavior which is by definition unpredictable. (PHR)

The effects of feedback on the approaches of 20 hyperactive and 20 hypoactive children (ages 6 to 10) to a vigilance task were studied. Results showed that hyperactive Ss had more errors than hypoactive Ss under the feedback for correct responses condition and fewer errors under the feedback for false alarms condition. (PHR)

The effects of task-overlapping linguistic noise on activity and performance of hyperactive and control children were assessed. Results suggest that task difficulty may play a role in the effects of overlapping stimulation on both groups. (Author/GK)

Children from various cultural backgrounds were assessed for hyperkinesis using a behavioral rating scale in order to determine whether perceived socioeconomic status and ethnic identification of assessees would influence judgement. Lower socioeconomic and ethnic minority children were rated as being more hyperkinetic than middle class and…

The effectiveness of a package of self-control procedures in a classroom with six hyperactive boys ages 7 to 10 was investigated. Results indicated that the self-control package was effective in improving misbehavior and attention to tasks during the individual seat work but not during group instruction. (Author)

The teachers' ratings of peer interaction discriminated between the hyperactive children and their controls. In addition, a significant interaction effect indicated that teachers rated the older hyperactive group as more deviant with peers than both their younger hyperactive counterparts and their age matched controls. (Author)

The study explored the intellectual functioning of 90 hyperkinetic, minimally brain damaged boys (mean age 12 years) via an analysis of student test performance in relation to the factor composition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). (SBH)

Lack of agreement between teachers and parents in assessing the symptoms of hyperkinesis in children was demonstrated by Langhorne, Loney, Paternite, and Bechtoldt. Zukow, Zukow, and Bentler recently criticized that investigation. Results of a separate analysis of data of Langhorne et al. confirmed the original findings. (Author)

A learning disabled adult recalls her experiences in school as a hyperactive, apraxic primary student. She remembers difficulties in getting along with peers and one especially helpful teacher. (CL)

The findings indicate that sustained improvement is related to factors other than continued medication, and that drug therapy should be regarded as a short-term intervention until more positive social and school behavior can be established. Journal Avaliability: J. B. Lippincott Co., East Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19105 (Author/DLS)

Areas of controversy covered center around the nature of the disorder, the effects of drugs, and methodological problems. Alternative approaches offered focus on evaluation and remedial techniques. (DLS)

Examines studies pertaining to the peer relations of hyperactive children. (CM)