Amphetamines were previously prescribed to treat which condition in children?

The correct answer is that amphetamines were previously prescribed to treat hyperactivity in children. Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants that can increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in children. Historically, they have been used in the treatment of attention-related disorders, and the specific subset of symptoms known as hyperactivity significantly benefited from such medications.

Over the years, as understanding of childhood disorders evolved, diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) became more standardized. The presence of hyperactivity is a key characteristic of ADHD, which is why it might seem closely related. However, the term 'hyperactivity' broadly encompasses just one aspect that the medications were used to address before ADHD was fully established as a distinct diagnosis.

The other options do not align with the historical uses of amphetamines. While amphetamines have been studied and used in various contexts, they are not typically used to treat depression or anxiety in children, as other treatments tend to be preferred due to safety and efficacy concerns.