Dextroamphetamine and placebo practice effects on selective attention in hyperactive children.
Three groups of boys referred to a hospital study unit for evaluation of hyperactive behavior were tested on a classification task involving selective attention while on either dextroamphetamine (D) or placebo (P). In two sessions, groups had D first, P second (DP), or PD, or PP. Amphetamine reduces a response times in general and reduces interference due to orthogonally varying irrelevant information. Practice while on placebo improves performance in a subsequent placebo session. Practice while on amphetamine does not, however, improve performance in the subsequent session on placebo. Assessment of the extent of the drug-state-related practice effect is necessary for evaluation of long-term benefits of dextroamphetamine therapy in these children.
D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D006948:Hyperkinesis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010919:Placebos; D011214:Practice, Psychological
D010919:Placebos; D003913:Dextroamphetamine