American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics, 4(58), p. 631-632, 1976
Psychiatry Online, The American Journal of Psychiatry, 3(165), p. 395-396
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2007.07111699r
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Dr. Stein's points are well taken. Making the diagnosis takes as much, if not more, knowledge and acumen than the administration of the medication. The term "organicity" as used in the statement is meant to differentiate the condition from that due to environmental causes or emotional disturbance. As in most forms of treatment, it is difficult, if not impossible, to rule out all psychogenic factors. The description of "the hyperactive child" was intended to rule out failure due to retardation or cultural disadvantage rather than to imply the necessity for academic achievement.