Abstract
More than 65 years ago, careful observation revealed that stimulant medication can reduce the disruptive symptoms of hyperkinetic children. Today, a variety of stimulant medications have been marketed, such as preparations including methylphenidate (MPH), dextroamphetamine (DEX), mixed-salts amphetamine (AMP), and pemoline (PEM). These constitute the most widely prescribed psychotropic medications for children, primarily in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although this disorder begins in childhood, ADHD is now known to persist into adolescence and adult life, and these individuals are increasingly being prescribed stimulants for this condition. Stimulants are also used for the treatment of narcolepsy, based on controlled studies.
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