Although the prevalence of hyperactive children in schools and in physicians' offices is high, there is little agreement regarding etiology and treatment. This study predicted the characteristics of four types: constitutional, conditioned, chemical and chaotic. Hyperactivity was the common feature but these groups were different with respect to: sex ratio, family history, type of parenting, learning disability and response to treatment. These groups are sufficiently distinct to warrant specific diagnosing and treating. The chemical type respond best to medication.
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