[The influence of thioridazin (Melleril-Sandoz) on psychomotor functions, concentration power and reactivity in children with behaviour disturbances (author's transl)].

Starting with a brief review of literature about the application of Melleril (Thioridazine) in child psychiatry the authors report a double blind study with 26 children (23 boys and 3 girls at the age of 6 to 14). These children were admitted to clinical treatment because of several behavior disorders. Drug effects on psychomotor activity, concentration power and reactivity were measured by the d2-Test (Brickenkamp), by a tapping experiment, a psychomotor experimental (tracing) and experiments with the Vienna determination apparatus. As compared to the placebo group a statistically significant increase was found in the experimental group in the tapping experiment as well as in one stage of the concentration test. No difference between the groups could be noted in tracing and in the performance of the Vienna determination apparatus. It is suggested that the finding result from a different ability in visuo-motor information processing without or under the drug. Accordingly Melleril seems to advance performance in simply structured motor tasks, whereas complex choice reactions rather appear to be rendered more difficult under this medication.