A psychopharmacologic experiment in a training school for delinquent boys: Methods, problems, findings.

In a study employing a double-blind design, the behavior of institutionalized delinquent boys receiving either dextro-amphetamine, placebo or no treatment was rated by cottage parents, teachers and peers. On each measure the drug-treated subjects proved superior to both control groups. The highest dosage (40 mg. per day) produced one significant side effect, weight loss. On discontinuation of medication, both behavior and weight moved toward control levels.