• 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (2) , 120-+
Abstract
Decreased catecholaminergic activity within the CNS has been associated with altered arousal, attention, learning, and kinetic function in animals [guinea-pigs] and humans. The hyperkinetic child syndrome (HCS) involves dysfunction in all these spheres and may thus reflect diminished catecholamine activity, particularly as related to brain dopamine. Accordingly, the efficacy of catecholaminergic agents in treating the HCS is a predictable, rather than a paradoxical effect of these agents. Sufficient evidence is now available to strongly implicate catecholamine hypoactivity in the pathopharmacology of the HCS. Methylphenidate and d-amphetamine have been found to be the 2 most efficacious agents in treating the HCS.