While the catalyst for this condition remains to be fully understood, adrenergic hyperactivity is an illness that affects the adrenergic system in humans and has been linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Etiology

Adrenergic hyperactivity is a disease that causes an overproduction of epinephrine in the brain, often connected to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. While scientists still don't fully understand how or why it develops, there's a growing belief among researchers that genetics play the lead role in acquiring this disorder.

Causes

While genetic predisposition is currently the primary suspect, other potential causes for the disorder include prenatal exposure to drugs, cigarettes and other environmental toxins, or exposure to dangerous environmental toxins common in childhood, such as lead.

Symptoms

The symptoms of adrenergic hyperactivity manifest in far too many ways to list; however, many will be quite obvious once you've identified the basics, which fall into the categories of either attention or hyperactivity. Signs of an attention disorder include problems staying on-task and focused, appearing not to listen, and difficulties with or an unwillingness to learn new things. Those who suffer from hyperactivity often exhibit signs of restlessness, a constant need to move about, extreme impatience, or attempts to do too many things at once. Research has also linked adrenergic hyperactivity with acute panic attacks or panic disorder.

Treatment

Physicians today have more tools and techniques for treating adrenergic hyperactivity and its ADHD-like symptoms than ever before, and commonly recommend a regimen of prescription stimulant (psychostimulants) or non-stimulant medications, along with expert psychological or behavioral counseling. Other treatments might include dietary and activity changes.

Ongoing Research

As the public becomes more aware of ADHD and its life-altering symptoms, researchers are able to focus more energy--and funding--toward understanding adrenergic hyperactivity and the role it plays in ADHD. In addition to new developments in pharmaceutical treatments, many scientists continue working to identify the disorder's genetic markers with hopes of finding a cure.

Source:

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and the adrenergic receptors 1C and 2C

Adrenergic Function in Patients With Panic Anxiety

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children