Methods for treating cognitive/attention deficit disorders in general using tetrahydroindolone derivatives and analogues, particularly tetrahydroindolone derivatives or analogues in which the tetrahydroindolone derivative or analogue is covalently linked to another moiety to form a bifunctional conjugate are disclosed. More specifically, methods and compositions for treating attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders in adults and children as well as mild cognitive impairment and dementia are provided. The compounds used to treat and/or palliate cognitive/attention deficit disorders in general include a tetrahydroindolone derivative or analogue comprises a 9-atom bicyclic moiety, moiety A, linked through a linker L to a moiety B, where B is a carboxylic acid, a carboxylic acid ester, or a moiety of the structure N(Y.sub.1)-D, where Y.sub.1 can be one of a variety of substituents, including hydrogen or alkyl, and D is a moiety that enhances the pharmacological effects, promotes absorption or blood-brain barrier penetration of the derivative or analogue. The moiety A has a six-membered ring fused to a five-membered ring. The moiety A can have one, two, or three nitrogen atoms in the five membered ring. The moiety A can be a tetrahydroindolone moiety. The moiety B can be one of a variety of moieties, including moieties having nootropic activity or other biological or physiological activity.