Stimulant drugs for severe hyperactivity in childhood

doi:10.1136/dtb.2001.39752

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2001;39:52-54; doi:10.1136/dtb.2001.39752

Stimulant drugs for severe hyperactivity in childhood

Relevant BNF section: 4.4

It is estimated that 0.5-1.4% of school-aged children in Englandand Wales have severe hyperactivity,^1,2 a syndrome characterisedby impulsiveness, inattention and overactivity. In the UK, twoCNS stimulants, methylphenidate and dexamfetamine (dexamphetamine),are licensed for treating childhood hyperactivity where non-drugmeasures alone have proved insufficient. In 1995, we concludedthat behavioural and educational approaches should be first-choicesteps in most children with hyperactivity, with stimulant drugsbeing reserved for children in whom the disorder is severe orwho are resistant to non-drug treatments.² Here, we reassessthe place of stimulant drugs in the management of severe hyperactivityin children.