In the last two decades, this disorder has been known variously as hyperkinesis, hyperactivity, minimal brain dysfunction and, most recently, Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity. This disorder, which characteristically occurs in youngsters with normal or above average intelligence, can seriously interfere with the child's ability to learn and to get along with others. It is generally accepted that Attention Deficit Disorder involves neurological or brain dysfunction. Recent work has involved dysfunction of chemical messengers in the frontal lobe and brainstem regions. Specifically, it appears that dopamine and norepinephrine have important roles in the ability of the brain to select and tune into certain relevant stimuli.
Genetic factors appear to play an important role in many cases.
Attention Deficit Disorder is commonly associated with other specific learning disabilities. Learning disabilities should be suspected when there is a significant scatter within a child's different abilities. Attention Deficit Disorder may touch a number of areas of a young person's life, impairing their relationships with peers and adults. Depression occasionally takes the form of extreme irritability and outbursts of inappropriate anger. It is noteworthy that three conditions, Attention Deficit Disorder, learning disabilities, and anxiety, frequently coexist and are often confused with each other.