Methylphenidate and caffeine in the treatment of children with minimal brain dysfunction

Abstract

In this double-blind, crossover study of 8 boys with minimal brain dysfunction, 20 mg of methylphenidate daily was significantly better than 160 mg of caffeine in controlling behavior, especially impulsivity and hyperactivity, and methylphenidate alone was superior to decaffeinated coffee and placebo. The tentative results of this study confirm the primary position of sympathomimetics in the pharmacotherapy of minimal brain dysfunction and, in addition, suggest the involvement of dopamine pathways in this disorder. The authors urge further study of this hypothesis.