PREDICTING THE RESPONSE OF CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS TO DEXTROAMPHETAMINE SULFATE

Abstract

This is a clinical study using a phenomenological, office practice approach to diagnose the hyperkinetic child who responds with improved concentration and organization of his mental facilities to the amphetamines. The combination of anamnestic items, information from the teacher, and the clinical interview were found to be effective in correctly predicting approximately 85% of behaviorally disturbed children who would respond favorably to the stimulating drugs. The finger twitch test and a list of selected questions, which could be used by the pediatrician in his office, were found to lead to a weighted, non-inferential assessment of the child's mental status, as a help in determining the advisability of prescribing the stimulant for some behaviorally disturbed children.