The differential effect of amphetamine optical isomers on Bender Gestalt performance was examined in 31 hyperkinetic minimally brain dysfunctioned children between the ages of 4 and 12 years, using a double-blind Latin-square crossover comparison. (Author)

Available from: Medical Digest, A.S. O'Connor & Company Limited, 26 Sheen Park, Richmond, Surrey, England.

Two studies of a visual-motor tracking task purported to effectively discriminate subtypes of minimal brain dysfunction are presented. Subjects were psychiatric inpatients, hyperactive males, and normal controls. The tracking task was found to be a useful measure of stimulant drug action but not of specific hyperkinetic defects. (Author/SJL)

In an attempt to replicate and extend previous findings on autonomic arousal and responsivity in children with minimal brain dysfunction (MBD), pupil size, heart rate, skin conductance, and skin temperature were recorded from 32 MBD and 45 control children (6-13 years old). (Author/CL)

The term minimal brain damage is evaluated in the light of several experiments on about 200 adolescents: no treatment in a democratic children's community; the effect of psychic energizers; electrosleep; biofeedback training for alpha wave desynchronization; deconditioning of phobias; and nutritional/medical treatment. (Author)

Describes the results of detailed neuropsychological testing done before and during drug-induced remission of depressive illness in 11 children (ages 6-13 years), demonstrating significant improvement in cognitive function, especially that of the right hemisphere and frontal lobes. (Author/SJL)

Views hyperkinetic children from the perspective of the school system as a social system. Discusses the use and effectiveness of stimulant drugs and other treatment of hyperkinesis within the school system as it intersects with the process of education for the hyperkinetic child. (Editor/RK)

Early identification of Minimal Brain Dysfunction (MBD) is now easier, partly as a result of a series of 3 studies made in rural Vermont over a period of 15 years. MBD victims exhibit different behaviors at different ages. "Fidgetiness", a "nuisance" factor, and poor learning are all strong predictors of MBD for children at the…

To investigate procedures whereby schools may achieve maximal results with otherwise normal underachieving pupils with neurologically based language-learning disorders, 100 such subjects were studied over a 2-year period. Fifty experimental subjects remained in regular classes in school and received individualized teaching outside of school hours…

The role of child psychiatry is discussed, and the child is described as a developing organism. Genetic factors in behavior are considered as are the presenting problems. Methods treated involve taking the history, conducting the diagnostic interview, using special diagnostic procedures, and applying diagnostic classification. Problem areas dealt…