Ten years of experience with 1,000 hyperactive children in a private practice.
A summary of the author's experience with 1,000 hyperactive children treated in a private practice over a period of 10 years is presented. Of 1,000 children entering the office, 872 were treated with stimulants for more than 6 months. Of these 872 children, 137 (16%) were considered as treatment failures; 735 (84%) had a positive response to medication. A follow-up of 197 patients in "remission," after treatment, suggested that symptoms had reappeared in 20% of the cases. The length of treatment in a group of 494 children still under observation on Dec 31, 1981, indicated that the majority of boys were treated for between 3 to 5 years; girls were treated for 2 to 3 years. Approximately 10% of the children received medication for 1 to 2 years, whereas about 20% were treated for more than 6 years. It was concluded that treatment with a stimulant for 5 to 10 years is a safe and efficient way to help hyperactive children during a difficult time of life.
D000661:Amphetamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D008774:Methylphenidate; D000661:Amphetamine