Guidelines on the Use and Medical Effects of Psychostimulant Drugs in Therapy

Psychostimulant drugs have been used for the past 30 years in the treatment of children with behavior disorders, hyperactivity, and learning problems. Difficulties with operational definitions and complicated methodology which haw hampered the determination of efficacy of such medication are discussed. Research on the site and mechanism of action of psychostimulant drugs is reviewed. The decision to initiate drug therapy for children with minimal cerebral dysfunction is now complicated by the climate the times - the social revolution, particularly among the young, and above ail, the present drug culture. A discussion of the therapeutic regimen is included.