Controversial issues of the pharmacotherapy of the hyperactive child

This paper, which forms part of a symposium on Paediatric Psychopharmacology, selects for discussion certain practical and theoretical issues related to the use of Stimulant Therapy for Hyperactive Children. The particular issues selected relate to important clinical questions, most of which have been the focus of recent research. Amongst the controversial issues chosen for discussion is the fact that while the short term effect of stimulants on symptoms of the hyperactive syndrome is well established, the long term efficacy and the effect of stimulants on improving the prognosis of this syndrome remains uncertain. It is concluded that the large body of research on the use of stimulants for hyperactive children has finally answered some long standing questions, but many gaps of knowledge remain and further research is required.