Effect of amphetamines in hyperkinetic children: stimulant of sedative? A pilot study.

Dextro-amphetamine and laevo-amphetamine were given in single equal doses to six hyperkinetic children. The effects on motor activity and palmar skin admittance (a.c. conductance) were measured. Only the 1-isomer resulted in a significant decrease in motor activity. Both isomers resulted in a significant decrease in skin admittance, the 1-isomer having the larger effect. These findings offer no support for the hypothesis that hyperkinetic children are under-aroused and benefit from stimulation. They indicate that the beneficial effect of amphetamines is attributable to a sedative action.