Effects of Dextroamphetamine on Hyperkinetic Children

Abstract

Utillizing objective scales for rating characteristics in the hyperkinetic syndrome, teachers' rating revealed favorable effects of dextroamphetamine in 27 of a group of 42 children with hyperkinetic impulse disorder and learning difficulties. Statistical comparisons of ratings received under prestest, placebo, and drug conditions showed significant differences on the scales measuring hyperactivity, short attentions span, and impulsivity. Teachers can preselect hyperkinetic children who will respond to medication with the questionnaire-rating scale technique. Other objective mesaures have been discussed which can be incorporated into the evaluative procedure.