Intended for caregivers, the book provides basic information about the use of medication for children with hyperactivity, learning disabilities, and mental retardation. The main emphasis is on psychotropic drug use for hyperactivity and aggressiveness. Chapter 1 explains fundamental terms and concepts relating to drug therapy. Major stresses within this chapter are the movement of drugs in the body, dosage, and side effects. A case is made for the caregiver participation in pharmacotherapy. Chapter 2 focuses on hyperactivity, its diagnosis, basic features, and prevalence as well as behavioral effects of stimulant drugs. Alternative treatments are noted. A chapter on learning disabilities cites the overall lack of research on the topic while reviewing studies describing stimulant drug effects on such academic skills as reading, arithmetic, and spelling. Research is also noted on the relationship between stimulant drug therapy and behavioral interventions designed to improve academic performance. Chapter 4 covers the use of neuroleptics and stimulants in the treatment of behavior disorders associated with mental retardation. Issues related to drug treatment, such as litigation and tardive dyskinesia, are examined. A final chapter addresses issues related to early childhood drug therapy. Nine appendixes include listings of selected psychotropic and antiepileptic drugs by trade names with the corresponding generic name. (CL)