The authors examined platelet MAO activity in 8 hyperactive and 18
control children who were admitted to a clinical research center and placed
on a low monoamine diet. After 5 days, their blood was analyzed; the
hyperactive children were discharged on day 7, placed on d- amphetamine for
2 weeks, and readmitted for repeat blood analysis. The hyperactive children
initially had significantly lower levels of platelet MAO than the controls.
After the hyperactive children were treated with d-amphetamine for 2 weeks,
their platelet MAO levels were comparable to those of the control children.
The authors suggest an association between low platelet MAO activity and a
behavioral state of overactivity, short attention span, and
impulsivity.
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