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Fredrick JW, Jacobson LA, Peterson RK, Becker SP. Cognitive disengagement syndrome (sluggish cognitive tempo) and medical conditions: a systematic review and call for future research. Child Neuropsychol 2024; 30:783-817. [PMID: 37712631 PMCID: PMC10940202 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2023.2256052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS, previously referred to as sluggish cognitive tempo) is a unique set of symptoms distinct from ADHD inattentive symptoms that appear to be independently associated with neuropsychological and psychosocial outcomes in community and ADHD-specific samples of youth. However, our understanding of CDS in individuals with chronic or complex medical conditions is limited. The current systematic review is the first to summarize the literature on CDS prevalence rates and associations with neurocognitive and functional outcomes in youth with medical conditions, and to discuss areas of future research to guide clinical intervention. We conducted literature searches across four major databases and included studies assessing prevalence estimates, associations with neuropsychological and/or psychosocial functioning, or predictors of CDS in individuals with chronic or complex medical conditions. Twenty-five studies were identified and retained. Fifteen of sixteen studies reported elevations in CDS symptoms, though findings were mixed in studies comparing mean differences to typically developing youth. Seven studies provided inconsistent evidence for CDS being associated with neuropsychological or academic functioning, with six studies demonstrating consistent effects on psychosocial functioning. Finally, nine studies identified biological and sociodemographic factors associated with CDS, though almost all await replication. CDS symptoms are significantly elevated in youth with medical conditions and appear to be particularly linked with psychosocial functioning. Future research is needed to identify prevalence of CDS across a range of medical conditions, examine associations with neuropsychological and psychosocial functioning, and examine whether CDS impacts self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Fredrick
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Lisa A. Jacobson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute; Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Rachel K. Peterson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute; Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Stephen P. Becker
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Carpenter KLH, Davis NO, Spanos M, Sabatos-DeVito M, Aiello R, Compton SN, Franz L, Schechter JC, Summers J, Dawson G. Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome in Young Autistic Children, Children with ADHD, and Autistic Children with ADHD. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38900723 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2024.2361715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS; previously called Sluggish Cognitive Tempo) refers to a constellation of cognitive and motor behaviors characterized by a predisposition toward mind wandering (cognitive subdomain) and slowed motor behavior (hypoactive). While there are a number of studies linking CDS traits to greater global impairment in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic children, there are few studies examining the prevalence and impact of CDS traits in autistic children with co-occurring ADHD (Autistic+ADHD). The current study explored CDS traits in autistic children with and without co-occurring ADHD, children with ADHD, and neurotypical children. METHODS Participants were 196 children between 3- and 7-years-of-age comprising four groups: Neurotypical (N = 44), ADHD (N = 51), Autistic (N = 55), and Autistic+ADHD (N = 46). CDS traits, social and communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing were all assessed via parent report. RESULTS Children diagnosed with ADHD, autistic children, and Autistic+ADHD children exhibited similar levels of overall CDS traits. However, when explored separately, Autistic+ADHD children had higher cognitive CDS trait scores compared to children with ADHD alone. Both overall CDS traits and the cognitive subdomain were associated with greater social difficulties, particularly social withdrawal, higher levels of repetitive behaviors, and more sensory sensitivities, regardless of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that CDS traits may be an additional factor directly impact functional outcomes in both autistic and ADHD children. As such, clinicians should be assessing CDS traits in addition to other clinical domains associated with ADHD and autism when developing intervention plans for young neurodiverse children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly L H Carpenter
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
| | - Naomi O Davis
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
- Duke ADHD Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
| | - Marina Spanos
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
| | - Maura Sabatos-DeVito
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
- Duke ADHD Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
| | - Rachel Aiello
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
| | - Scott N Compton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
| | - Lauren Franz
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
| | - Julia C Schechter
- Duke ADHD Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
| | - Jessica Summers
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
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Tamm L, Epstein JN, Orban SA, Kofler MJ, Peugh JL, Becker SP. [Formula: see text] Neurocognition in children with cognitive disengagement syndrome: accurate but slow. Child Neuropsychol 2024; 30:221-240. [PMID: 36864603 PMCID: PMC10474248 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2023.2185215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), previously termed sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT), is characterized by excessive daydreaming, mental confusion, and slowed behavior or thinking. Prior research has found inconsistent relations between CDS and neurocognition, though most studies have used small or ADHD-defined samples, non-optimal measures of CDS, and/or examined limited neurocognitive domains. Accordingly, this study examined the association of parent- and teacher-reported CDS symptoms using a comprehensive neurocognitive battery in a sample of 263 children (aged 8-12) selected with a range of CDS symptomatology. Parents and teachers provided ratings of CDS and ADHD inattentive (ADHD-IN) symptoms. Path analyses were conducted to examine CDS and ADHD-IN as unique predictors of neurocognitive functioning after covarying for age, sex, and family income. CDS symptoms were uniquely associated with slower performance across a range of cognitive domains, including verbal inhibition, rapid naming/reading, planning, divided attention, and set shifting. In contrast, ADHD-IN symptoms were uniquely associated with poorer performance on a Go/NoGo task (inhibition/distractibility), visual scanning and discrimination, and interference control. Findings from the current study, amongst the first to recruit children based on levels of CDS symptomatology, provide the strongest evidence to date that the neurocognitive phenotype of CDS is characterized by slowed cognitive processing, and add to its validity as a separate syndrome from ADHD. If replicated, these findings have implications for assessment, treatment, and school accommodations for CDS. Neuroimaging studies exploring the neurobiological basis of CDS are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Tamm
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jeffery N. Epstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sarah A. Orban
- Department of Psychology, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michael J. Kofler
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - James L. Peugh
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stephen P. Becker
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Burns GL, Montaño JJ, Becker SP, Servera M. Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome Symptoms from Early Childhood to Adolescence in a Nationally Representative Spanish Sample. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37931059 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2023.2272944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The identification of a common set of symptoms for assessing cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS, formerly sluggish cognitive tempo) for early childhood (ages 5-8), middle childhood (ages 9-12), and adolescence (ages 13-16) is needed to advance research on the developmental psychopathology of CDS (i.e. a common symptom set with comparable internal and external validity for each age group). METHOD Parents of a nationally representative sample of 5,525 Spanish children and adolescents (ages 5 to 16, 56.1% boys) completed measures of CDS, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-inattention (ADHD-IN), and other measures. RESULTS First, the 15 CDS symptoms showed convergent and discriminant validity relative to the ADHD-IN symptoms within each age group. Second, CDS showed stronger first-order and unique associations than ADHD-IN with anxiety, depression, somatization, daytime sleep-related impairment, and nighttime sleep disturbance, whereas ADHD-IN showed stronger first-order and unique associations than CDS with ADHD-hyperactivity/impulsivity, oppositional defiant disorder, and academic impairment. Third, CDS showed stronger first-order and unique associations than ADHD-IN with a history of having an anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder diagnosis, whereas ADHD-IN showed stronger first-order and unique associations with having an ADHD diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The identification of a common set of CDS symptoms spanning early childhood to adolescence allows for the advancement of research on CDS, with a particular need now for longitudinal studies and examination of CDS with other functional outcomes and across other cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan José Montaño
- Department of Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands & Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands
| | - Stephen P Becker
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Mateu Servera
- Department of Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands & Research Institute on Health Sciences
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Li F, Luo J, Qi Y, Huang H, Wu Y, Xu G, Liu Z, He F, Zheng Y. The prevalence of SCT in China, its comorbidity with ADHD and its association with life events and parental-rearing behaviors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16946. [PMID: 37805610 PMCID: PMC10560280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43225-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms are often observed in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an increasing number of studies have highlighted its uniqueness. Nevertheless, no national survey on SCT among children and adolescents has been conducted in China. Hence, this research aims to study SCT in China and to evaluate the differences between SCT and ADHD symptoms by comparing their risk factors in terms of life events (LE) and parental rearing behaviors (PRB). This cross-sectional study used data from a survey on 71,929 children and adolescents in 5 province-level regions in China to study the incidence and demographic information of SCT in the Chinese population. Subsequently, the study investigated the comorbidity of ADHD and SCT, and conducted three logistic regressions on the LE and PRB scores to predict whether participants develop symptoms of ADHD or SCT, or neither symptom. 6658 participants were allocated into the SCT group, and the weighted point prevalence of SCT was 9.78%. 36.34% of participants with ADHD (n = 676) were found to demonstrate SCT symptoms, whereas no statistically significant difference was observed in its comorbidity to the three ADHD subtypes (χ2 = 1.668, p > 0.05, Δ = 2). The regression results on the presence or absence of ADHD revealed paternal excessive-interference and rejection, and maternal favoring were associated with ADHD diagnosis, whereas paternal punishment and favoring and maternal emotional warmth was related to the absence of ADHD symptoms. Academic stress and maternal excessive-interference were associated with SCT symptoms, and maternal emotional warmth associated with SCT absence. Concerning the presence of ADHD-only or SCT-only symptoms, LE adaptation was found to relate to SCT-only symptoms, while PRB paternal rejection and maternal favoring were associated with ADHD-only symptoms. While evidencing the high prevalence of SCT in China, our findings supported that although ADHD and SCT were highly comorbid, they may be considered two independent disorders with different risk factors. Specifically, participants with SCT symptoms are more vulnerable to stress from LE and tend to face more maladjustment than ADHD and normally-developing participants, and maternal rearing behaviours are the key factors to SCT symptoms. SCT brings global challenges in its diagnosis and treatment, and the challenge is more severe in a mentally stressful environment. Therefore, stress management and SCT etiology studies are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Li
- Key Lab of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Luo
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Capital Medical University, De Sheng Men Wai An Kang Hu Tong 5 Hao, Xi Cheng Qu, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yanjie Qi
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Capital Medical University, De Sheng Men Wai An Kang Hu Tong 5 Hao, Xi Cheng Qu, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Huanhuan Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Capital Medical University, De Sheng Men Wai An Kang Hu Tong 5 Hao, Xi Cheng Qu, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yuanzhen Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Capital Medical University, De Sheng Men Wai An Kang Hu Tong 5 Hao, Xi Cheng Qu, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Gaoyang Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Capital Medical University, De Sheng Men Wai An Kang Hu Tong 5 Hao, Xi Cheng Qu, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Zhengkui Liu
- Key Lab of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fan He
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Capital Medical University, De Sheng Men Wai An Kang Hu Tong 5 Hao, Xi Cheng Qu, Beijing, 100088, China.
| | - Yi Zheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Capital Medical University, De Sheng Men Wai An Kang Hu Tong 5 Hao, Xi Cheng Qu, Beijing, 100088, China.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the characteristics associated with response to methylphenidate (MPH) in children and adolescents with ADHD. METHODS Studies reporting potentials predictors of response to MPH were searched in Medline and Embase from January 1998 to March 2022. Narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS Fifty-seven reports of 46 studies totaling 6,656 ADHD patients were included. No association appears between response to MPH and age, gender, MPH dosage, ADHD subtype, comorbidities nor socioeconomic status when considering a specific patient. No conclusion could be drawn about body weight, ADHD severity, intelligence quotient, and parental symptoms of depression or ADHD. CONCLUSIONS None of these potential predictors have proven their usefulness to predict response to MPH on an individual basis in clinical practice. In research, potential predictors should be measured, their association with response to MPH assessed, in order to control for confounding variables when modeling response to MPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryse Pagnier
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, Paris, France
- Association Française de Pédiatrie Ambulatoire, Orléans, France
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Sadeghi-Bahmani D, Parhoon H, Esmaeili M, Parhoon K, Sadeghi Bahmani L, Khazaie H, Becker SP, Burns GL, Brand S. Validation of the Farsi Version of the Adult Concentration Inventory for Assessing Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4607. [PMID: 37510724 PMCID: PMC10380426 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The internal and external validity of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) relative to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-inattention (ADHD-IN) was evaluated herein with Farsi-speaking adults. A total of 837 Iranian adults assessed throughout the whole country (54.72% women, Mage = 23.85; SD = 7.05; age range = 18 to 58 years; 75% between 18 and 24 years old; reporting higher educational training) completed self-report measures of CDS, ADHD-IN, ADHD-hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI), depression, anxiety, and stress. Seven of the fifteen CDS symptoms showed a good convergent (high loadings on the CDS factor) and discriminant (higher loadings on the CDS factor than the ADHD-IN factor) validity. CDS also showed stronger first-order and unique associations with depression than ADHD-IN, whereas ADHD-IN showed stronger first-order and unique associations with ADHD-HI and anxiety than CDS. The first-order and unique associations of CDS and ADHD-IN did not differ in relation to stress. This study is the first to support the validity of the self-report of assessing CDS symptoms with the Adult Concentration Inventory with Farsi-speaking individuals residing in Iran, thus further strengthening the transcultural validity of the CDS, and paving the way for further transcultural research in the field of CDS among adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Sadeghi-Bahmani
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hadi Parhoon
- Department of Psychology, Razi University, Kermanshah 6714414971, Iran;
| | - Maryam Esmaeili
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran;
| | - Kamal Parhoon
- Department of Psychology, Kharazmi University, Tehran 1571914911, Iran;
| | - Laleh Sadeghi Bahmani
- Department of Education and Psychology, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan 8179949999, Iran;
| | - Habibolah Khazaie
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714415185, Iran;
| | - Stephen P. Becker
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - G. Leonard Burns
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Serge Brand
- Center for Affective, Sleep and Stress Disorders, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland;
- Division of Sport Science and Psychosocial Health, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714415185, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran 1441987566, Iran
- Center for Disaster Psychiatry and Disaster Psychology, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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Gul A, Gul H. Sluggish cognitive tempo (Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome) symptoms are more associated with a higher risk of internet addiction and internet gaming disorder than ADHD symptoms: A study with medical students and resident doctors. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 139:104557. [PMID: 37327573 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT), demographic factors, and Internet Addiction (IA) and internet gaming disorder (IGD) among medical students and resident doctors. METHODS The study included 274 medical students and resident doctors. (Ages:18-35, 70.4% female). Fisher exact test, Contingency Table analyses, Mann Whithey-U Test and structural equation model-path analysis were used for analysis. The Sociodemographic Information Form, ASRS Scale, Barkley SCT Scale, Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form and The Digital Game Addiction Scale were utilized to collect data. RESULTS In the sample, 48 participants (17.51%, 22 female, 26 male) were classified as having a high-risk internet gaming disorder (IGD+), while 53 participants (19.3%, 37 female, 16 male) were classified as having a high-risk internet addiction (IA+). SCT Scale Daydreaming and Sluggishness scores, as well as ASRS Scale Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity ratings, were all substantially higher in high-risk groups (for all, p < 0.05). Instead of age, there was no difference between high and low-risk groups, but men had a significantly greater rate of high risk- IGD (%32.1 vs. 11.4; p = 0.001). Path analysis revealed that while older age has a substantial negative effect (β = -0.37, p = 0.001) on increased risk of IA, Inattention (β = 0.19, p = 0.028), Daydreaming (β = 0.62, p0.001), and Sluggishness ( β = 1.12, p0.001) had significant positive effects. On the other hand, results revealed that male gender (β = 5.08, p0.001), IA scores (β = 0.21, p0.001), and only Sluggishness ( = 0.52, p = 0.002), but not Inattention, Hyperactivity/impulsivity, or Daydreaming, have positive effects on greater risk of internet gaming disorder (IGD). CONCLUSION & IMPLICATIONS Our study is the first to show that SCT symptoms increase the risk of Internet addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder even when ADHD symptoms are controlled. To date, many research have highlighted the necessity of ADHD treatment when evaluating IA and IGD. However, SCT symptoms have a greater impact on people who are predisposed to these behavioral addictions, and despite high comorbidity rates, various treatment approaches for ADHD and SCT are effective. SCT should be kept in mind when assessing treatment-resistant individuals with IA and IGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Gul
- Ufuk University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Turkey
| | - Hesna Gul
- Ufuk University, School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Turkey.
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Becker SP, Willcutt EG, Leopold DR, Fredrick JW, Smith ZR, Jacobson LA, Burns GL, Mayes SD, Waschbusch DA, Froehlich TE, McBurnett K, Servera M, Barkley RA. Report of a Work Group on Sluggish Cognitive Tempo: Key Research Directions and a Consensus Change in Terminology to Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:629-645. [PMID: 36007816 PMCID: PMC9943858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.07.821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was 2-fold: (1) to evaluate current knowledge and identify key directions in the study of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT); and (2) to arrive at a consensus change in terminology for the construct that reflects the current science and may be more acceptable to researchers, clinicians, caregivers, and patients. METHOD An international Work Group was convened that, in early 2021, compiled an online archive of all research studies on SCT and summarized the current state of knowledge, noted methodological issues, and highlighted future directions, and met virtually on 10 occasions in 2021 to discuss these topics and terminology. RESULTS Major progress has been made over the last decade in advancing our understanding of SCT across the following domains of inquiry: construct measurement and stability; genetic, environmental, pathophysiologic, and neuropsychological correlates; comorbid conditions; functional impairments; and psychosocial and medication interventions. Findings across these domains are summarized, and potential avenues to pursue in the next generation of SCT-related research are proposed. Following repeated discussions on terminology, the Work Group selected "cognitive disengagement syndrome" (CDS) to replace "SCT" as the name for this construct. This term was deemed to best satisfy considerations that should apply when selecting terms for a condition or syndrome, as it does not overlap with established terms for other constructs, is not offensive, and reflects the current state of the science. CONCLUSION It is evident that CDS (SCT) has reached the threshold of recognition as a distinct syndrome. Much work remains to further clarify its nature (eg, transdiagnostic factor, separate disorder, diagnostic specifier), etiologies, demographic factors, relations to other psychopathologies, and linkages to specific domains of functional impairment. Investigators are needed with interests and expertise spanning basic, clinical, and translational research to advance our understanding and to improve the lives of individuals with this unique syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Becker
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio.
| | | | | | - Joseph W Fredrick
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio
| | | | - Lisa A Jacobson
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Susan D Mayes
- Waschbusch are with Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Tanya E Froehlich
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio
| | - Keith McBurnett
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mateu Servera
- IDISBA Institute, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - Russell A Barkley
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
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Wiggs KK, Froehlich TE, Becker SP. Pharmacologic Management of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) and Implications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment: Emerging Treatments and Recommendations for Future Research. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:293-304. [PMID: 37061629 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-00999-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Although the study of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS; previously called sluggish cognitive tempo) first emerged in the 1980s, very little is known about treating CDS or its impact on evidence-based interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with which it frequently co-occurs. The objective of this leading article was to investigate the existing evidence on medication treatment and CDS, including studies that have examined CDS response to medication and CDS as a moderator of ADHD treatment response. A total of seven studies were identified. At present, the limited existing literature suggests that psychostimulants such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, as well as atomoxetine, may improve CDS symptoms, although replication and research on related medications is needed. However, there are indications that CDS symptoms may predict a reduced response to methylphenidate in children with ADHD. Although untested, research on the neurobiological, neuropsychological, and behavioral correlates of CDS point to a possible benefit of other ADHD medications (e.g., guanfacine), medications that treat narcolepsy (e.g., modafinil), and medications traditionally used to treat depression and anxiety (e.g., viloxazine, bupropion, fluvoxamine), some of which have also recently been used in ADHD management. The article concludes with recommendations for future research on pharmacologic treatment and CDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey K Wiggs
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45206, USA
| | - Tanya E Froehlich
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stephen P Becker
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45206, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Brancati GE, De Dominicis F, Petrucci A, Pallucchini A, Carli M, Medda P, Schiavi E, De Rossi P, Vicari S, Perugi G. Long-term treatment of adult ADHD in a naturalistic setting: clinical predictors of attrition, medication choice, improvement, and response. World J Biol Psychiatry 2023:1-16. [PMID: 36637001 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2023.2168750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify clinical predictors of treatment attrition, medication choice, improvement and response to pharmacotherapy in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: 150 ADHD patients were enrolled and naturalistically followed-up for at least 4 months. Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales-Observer: Screening Version (CAARS-O:SV) were used to measure ADHD severity. Results: 58 subjects (38.7%) were lost at follow-up, while 75 (50%) completed follow-up assessment, on average after 26.05 ± 11.99 weeks; 35 were treated with atomoxetine (ATX) and 40 with methylphenidate (MPH). Treatments were moderately effective (d = 0.72) and 37 patients (49.3%) were responders (≥30% CAARS-O:SV decrease). Patients lost at follow-up had lower inattentive symptoms, less generalized anxiety and family history of bipolar disorder, more amphetamine use disorder than follow-up completers. Compared to ATX-treated subjects, MPH-treated patients had greater severity of hyperactivity/impulsivity and were more frequently diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. While MPH and ATX showed similar efficacy, more pronounced improvements were observed in patients with combined ADHD, anxiety and substance use disorders. ADHD severity and comorbid substance use positively predicted response. Conclusions: Consensus-based hierarchical treatment of ADHD comorbidity is not consistently supported. Comorbid anxiety, mood and substance use disorders should not discourage the treatment of adult ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Emilio Brancati
- Psychiatry Unit 2, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Petrucci
- Psychiatry Unit 2, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Marco Carli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Medda
- Psychiatry Unit 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Schiavi
- Psychiatry Unit 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Pietro De Rossi
- Department of Neuroscience, Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, I.R.C.C.S. Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome (Italy)
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Department of Neuroscience, Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, I.R.C.C.S. Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome (Italy)
| | - Giulio Perugi
- Psychiatry Unit 2, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Uytun MC, Yurumez E, Babayigit TM, Efendi GY, Kilic BG, Oztop DB. Sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms cooccurring with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s43045-023-00277-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In the current study, the main aim was investigating the sociodemographic features and sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and followed at an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-specific outpatient clinic.
Results
The data of 200 boys and 200 girls who were followed up at the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder outpatient clinic were retrospectively compared. The scores of Turgay’s Scale-Disruptive Behavior Disorders Screening and Rating Scale, the Sluggish Cognitive Tempo subscale of the Children Behavior Checklist, and Conners Rating Scales Revised-Parent and Teacher Forms were analyzed. Among the group with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo scores, the ratio of girls was higher and the mean age at which symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were recognized and treatment was offered was significantly older than that of the children with <4 scores. Both internalizing and externalizing symptoms were more frequent among the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder children who had Sluggish Cognitive Tempo scores ≥4.
Conclusions
There is increasing evidence distinguishing sluggish cognitive tempo from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and in this study, we would like to highlight the appearance and clinical manifestation of these disorders together. Further research, including Sluggish Cognitive Tempo children from the general population, is warranted to understand the characteristics that accompany and differentiate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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Sluggish Cognitive Tempo among Iranian Children and Adolescents: A Validation Study of the Farsi Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI)–Parent Version. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11216346. [PMID: 36362574 PMCID: PMC9654992 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT), recently renamed cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), is a set of behavioral symptoms that includes excessive daydreaming, mental confusion and fogginess, being lost in one’s thoughts, and slowed behavior and thinking. Symptoms of SCT show overlap with a broad range of other symptoms such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder inattention, anxiety, and depression, or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). To measure SCT, one of the optimal measures is the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI). Here, we report the psychometric properties of the Farsi version of the CABI Parent Version, including the CABI SCT scale and its subscales. Methods: The participants were the parents of 209 children and adolescents (53.9% girls; ages 8–19 years; Mage = 14.23, SDage = 2.72). Parents completed the SCT, ADHD inattention (ADHD-IN), ADHD-hyperactivity/impulsivity (ADHD-HI), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), limited prosocial emotions (callous-unemotional (CU) traits), anxiety, depression, social impairment, and academic impairment scales of the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI). Parents also completed four dimensions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ: emotional problems; conduct problems; peer problems; prosocial behavior), and five dimensions of the Kidscreen questionnaire (physical health; psychological well-being; autonomy and parental well-being; peers and social support; school environment). Results: SCT symptoms demonstrated strong discriminant validity from the ADHD-IN symptoms. SCT showed stronger first-order and unique associations than ADHD-IN with anxiety, depression, and ODD, whereas ADHD-IN showed stronger first-order and unique associations than SCT with ADHD-HI, CU, and social and academic impairment. Further, SCT showed stronger first-order and unique associations than ADHD-IN with more emotional problems, peer problems, and with lower prosocial behavior, as assessed with the SDQ. Higher scores for SCT were associated with lower psychological well-being, autonomy and parental relations, and lower peer and social support, as assessed with the Kidscreen. Higher ADHD-IN scores were associated with lower peer and social support, and a lower school environment. Conclusions: The Farsi version of the CABI–Parent Version has very good psychometric properties for assessing SCT and other dimensions of psychopathology/impairment and replicates the findings from similar studies with children and adolescents from South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. Accordingly, the present study provides further support of the transcultural validity of the sluggish cognitive tempo construct.
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14
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Hossain B, Bent S, Parenteau C, Widjaja F, Davis M, Hendren RL. The Associations Between Sluggish Cognitive Tempo, Internalizing Symptoms, and Academic Performance in Children With Reading Disorder: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. J Atten Disord 2022; 26:1576-1590. [PMID: 35373641 PMCID: PMC9373189 DOI: 10.1177/10870547221085493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) was associated with anxiety, depression, and academic performance (AP) in children with reading disorder (RD), and whether ADHD-Inattention (ADHD-IN) moderated these relationships. METHOD Parents and teachers of children with RD (N = 147, ages 6-18) completed evaluations of SCT, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and AP, every 3 months for 18 months. Baseline and longitudinal associations between SCT and outcomes, and effect moderation of ADHD-IN, were assessed. RESULTS Teacher-rated SCT was positively associated with teacher-rated anxiety (p < .001) and negatively associated with AP (p < .001) cross-sectionally and longitudinally, with significant effect modification by ADHD-IN for both outcomes. SCT was not associated with depression in adjusted cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. There were no significant findings for any parent-reported measures. CONCLUSION SCT has negative effects on anxiety and AP in children with RD among individuals with low ADHD-IN according to teacher report. Targeted treatment of SCT may provide substantial benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Hossain
- University of California, San
Francisco, CA, USA,Bushra Hossain, Department of Psychiatry,
University of California, 401 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Stephen Bent
- University of California, San
Francisco, CA, USA
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15
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Becker SP, Fredrick JW, Foster JA, Yeaman KM, Epstein JN, Froehlich TE, Mitchell JT. "My mom calls it Annaland": A Qualitative Study of Phenomenology, Daily Life Impacts, and Treatment Considerations of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo. J Atten Disord 2022; 26:915-931. [PMID: 34623188 DOI: 10.1177/10870547211050946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To conduct qualitative analysis of interviews to understand phenomenology, daily life impact, and treatment considerations of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) behaviors in children and adolescents. Method: Youth with elevated SCT symptoms (N = 15, ages 9-16 years) and their parents completed interviews focused on their perception and daily life impact of SCT behaviors. Parents were also asked about intervention targets. Results: Parents and youth had both negative and positive perceptions of SCT, with SCT fostering creativity/imagination and a break from stressors while also negatively impacting daily functioning. The domains most frequently selected by parents as SCT intervention targets were academics, emotions, mind wandering, morning routines, and self-esteem. Conclusion: Children and their parents share negative and positive views of SCT behaviors, while also detailing specific ways that SCT negatively impacts day-to-day functioning. This study offers insights into possible intervention targets as provided by youth and parents directly impacted by SCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Becker
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, USA
| | | | - Josalyn A Foster
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Jeffery N Epstein
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, USA
| | - Tanya E Froehlich
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, USA
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16
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Gul A, Gul H. Psychometric validation of Barkley's Adult Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) Ratings Scale -Turkish version and distinguishing SCT from attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among Turkish adults. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 121:104155. [PMID: 34968870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS SCT is characterized by sluggishness, daydreaming, lethargy/ apathy, slowed behavior/thinking, and mental confusion. For a long time these symptoms were thought to be a part of ADHD but then studies revealed that SCT is a different phenomenon in some cultures. In this study. we aimed to examine the validity and reliability of Barkley's Adult SCT Ratings Scale, and to determine if SCT is an independent factor from ADHD in Turkish adults like in other cultures. METHODS 274 Medical School students/trainees enrolled the study (Age: 18-35, 70.4 % female). Data was collected via an online survey including SCT and ADHD rating scales. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated that the scale consisted of two factors: Daydreaming and Sluggishness.The model demonstrated a good-fit (χ2 = 43.642, p = 0.001; χ2/df = 2.425, GFI = 0.962,RMSEA = 0.072). As expected, there were positive and significant associations between SCT total, Daydreaming, Sluggishness, and ADHD-Inattention scores (r = 0.645, 0.664, 0.382; respectively), but all SCT items loaded within SCT factors and distinquished from ADHD factors. Cronbach's alpha values were: 0.87 for SCT-total, 0.87 for Daydreaming; 0.79 for Sluggishness. CONCLUSION & IMPLICATIONS Our study provides a valid and reliable SCT screening tool for Turkish adults and increases our confidence in the transcultural generalizability of SCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Gul
- Ufuk University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Turkey
| | - Hesna Gul
- Gulhane Research and Training Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Turkey.
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17
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O'Hare K, White N, Harding R, Galland B, Sellbom M, Shine B, Schaughency E. Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Daytime Sleepiness Mediate Relationships Between Sleep and Academic Performance. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2021; 42:637-647. [PMID: 34074917 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sleep difficulties, daytime sleepiness, and sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) are associated with impairments in academic performance. SCT refers to symptoms of sluggishness, tiredness/lethargy, and slowed thinking/processing, but despite symptom overlap with sleepiness, research examining interrelations of SCT with sleep and daytime sleepiness is limited. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between SCT and daytime sleepiness and to examine pathways between sleep, daytime sleepiness, SCT, and academic performance. METHOD Participants were a community sample of 1628 parents/caregivers of children aged between 6 and 10 years who completed questionnaires about their child's behavior, sleep, and academic performance. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine whether SCT was distinct from daytime sleepiness. Then, structural equation modeling was used to examine direct and indirect pathways between sleep (sleep-disordered breathing [SDB] symptoms, sleep duration, and latency), daytime sleepiness, SCT, and academic performance in reading, writing, and math. RESULTS SCT and daytime sleepiness were distinct but moderately correlated (r = 0.33, p ≤ 0.001). Sleep, in particular SDB symptoms, predicted increased SCT and daytime sleepiness. SCT was directly and negatively associated with all domains of academic performance, daytime sleepiness was associated with poorer reading performance, and longer sleep duration was directly associated with poorer math performance. SCT and, to a lesser extent, daytime sleepiness mediated effects of sleep on academic performance. CONCLUSION SCT symptoms are important for understanding how sleep difficulties affect academic performance in children. Sleep, daytime sleepiness, and SCT are interrelated but distinct factors that affect children's academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie O'Hare
- Departments of Psychology
- Women's and Children's Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Naomi White
- Departments of Psychology
- Women's and Children's Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Harding
- Departments of Psychology
- Women's and Children's Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Barbara Galland
- Women's and Children's Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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18
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Systematic Review: Assessment of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Over the Past Decade. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 60:690-709. [PMID: 33166623 PMCID: PMC8099929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of the measures designed to assess sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) since the first SCT scale using careful test-construction procedures was published in 2009. METHOD MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, PsychINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched from September 2009 through December 2019. Articles reporting on reliability (internal consistency, test-retest, and interrater reliability), structural validity (an aspect of construct validity focused on items' convergent and discriminant validity), concurrent and longitudinal external validity, invariance, or intervention/experimental findings were included. RESULTS Full criteria for data extraction and inclusion were met by 76 studies. Nine measures for assessing SCT were identified (7 assessing parent report, teacher report, and/or self-report in children and 2 assessing self-report and/or collateral informant report in adults). Each measure demonstrated acceptable to excellent reliability. All or at least the majority of SCT items on each measure also had structural validity (high loadings on an SCT factor and low loadings on an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] inattention factor). Studies have supported the invariance of SCT across sex and time, and there is initial evidence of invariance across informants, youths with ADHD and youths without ADHD, and ADHD presentations. The Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI), Child Concentration Inventory, Second Edition (CCI-2), and Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV) have particularly strong support for assessing parent/teacher-reported, youth self-reported, and adult self-reported SCT, respectively. CONCLUSION The SCT measures included in this review share numerous positive properties, have promising psychometric support, and have proven useful for examining the external correlates of SCT across the life span. Although substantial progress has been made over the last decade, work remains to be done to further improve the assessment of SCT and key directions for future research are provided.
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19
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Tahıllıoğlu A, Ercan ES. Atomoxetine might be more effective in improving sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms after switching from methylphenidate: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:612-617. [PMID: 33598212 PMCID: PMC7869347 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.3592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is no proven evidence regarding pharmacotherapy of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT), we experienced atomoxetine had more effects in decreasing SCT symptoms after switching from methylphenidate in a case with SCT and subthreshold ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akın Tahıllıoğlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryEge University Faculty of MedicineIzmirTurkey
| | - Eyüp Sabri Ercan
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryEge University Faculty of MedicineIzmirTurkey
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20
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Little K, Raiker J, Coxe S, Campez M, Jusko M, Smith J, Gnagy E, Greiner A, Villodas M, Coles E, Pelham WE. A Preliminary Evaluation of the Utility of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Symptoms in Predicting Behavioral Treatment Response in Children with Behavioral Difficulties. Psychol Rep 2020; 124:2063-2091. [PMID: 32921265 DOI: 10.1177/0033294120957239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Interest in symptoms of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) has led to a number of studies evaluating how these symptoms respond to treatment commonly utilized in youths with symptoms of ADHD. No study to date, however, has examined the extent to which symptoms of SCT predict behavioral treatment response in youths across multiple domains of functioning. The current preliminary investigation integrates a number of methodological (e.g., direct observations) and analytic (e.g., Poisson regression) refinements to evaluate the extent to which symptoms of SCT predict treatment responses across multiple domains including behavioral (e.g., interruptions, rule violations), social (e.g., social skills, negative verbalizations), and severe behavioral difficulties (e.g., intentional aggression) above and beyond other demographic characteristics (e.g., symptom severity, Full Scale Intelligence Quotient [FSIQ]). A relatively small sample of 37 children, aged six to 12 years (M = 8.03, SD = 1.83, 35 males: 2 females) attending an eight week multi-component intensive behavioral treatment program for youths with behavioral difficulties participated in the current study. Baseline parental perceptions of SCT were collected prior to the initiation of treatment. Results from this preliminary investigation revealed that pre-treatment SCT symptoms only predicted a less robust treatment response to time out which was associated also with parent's perceptions of underlying working memory problems. Results revealed also that pre-treatment SCT symptoms failed to predict paraprofessional counselor's and teacher's improvement ratings of both rule following and social skills following treatment. Notably, other potential predictors (e.g., symptom severity, FSIQ) also largely failed to predict behavioral treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelcey Little
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joseph Raiker
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stefany Coxe
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mileini Campez
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Morgan Jusko
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jessica Smith
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gnagy
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew Greiner
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Miguel Villodas
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Erika Coles
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - William E Pelham
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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