Ten Years of Experience with 1,000 Hyperactive Children in a Private Practice

[摘要] 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.

[学科分类] 儿科学