Some Background
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a well-known neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults, but what many people may not be aware of is that there are different presentations of ADHD. While the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are widely recognized, another subtype called inattentive ADHD often goes undetected. Moreover, there is another related condition known as sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) that shares similarities with inattentive ADHD but also has distinct features. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of both inattentive ADHD and SCT, shedding light on the subtle yet impactful differences between them and helping individuals gain a better understanding of their own cognitive functioning.
Inattentive ADHD Vs. Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT)
Inattentive ADHD
Inattentive ADHD (once labeled ADD) is a subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that often manifests as limited attention span, distractibility, forgetfulness, or procrastination.
What Causes Inattentive ADHD(IA)?
Most researchers point to genetics and heredity as the main causative factors relative to who gets attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD). Scientists are investigating whether certain genes, especially the genes linked to the neurotransmitter dopamine, may play a role in developing ADHD.
What is Sluggish Cognitive Tempo?
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) is a relatively new concept in the field of psychology and refers to a cluster of symptoms related to attention and cognitive processing. It is considered a potential subtype of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although there is ongoing debate and research about its classification. Individuals with SCT typically exhibit a pattern of behaviors characterized by mental fogginess, sluggishness, daydreaming, and slow processing speed. Unlike the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms associated with traditional ADHD, individuals with SCT tend to be more internally focused, appear dreamy or spacey, and may exhibit a general lack of energy and motivation. While the research on SCT is still evolving, it is believed to have a distinct set of cognitive and behavioral features that differentiate it from other attention-related disorders.
Why Haven’t I Heard Of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT)?
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) is a relatively unknown attention disorder that has been associated with symptoms similar to those seen in inattentive-type ADHD. Although SCT is considered a subtype of ADHD/IA in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it is not included in the DSM-5, and there is no officially recognized diagnostic tool for it. Therefore, physicians and mental health professionals often compare the symptoms to those of other conditions to make an accurate diagnosis.
What’s The Difference Between Inattentive ADHD(IA) And Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT)
Individuals with ADHD/IA may exhibit lower levels of hyperactivity-impulsiveness. However, the hyperactive symptoms may be outgrown, and inattentive symptoms may persist into adulthood. In contrast, individuals with SCT have no history of hyperactivity-impulsiveness but show inattentive features from the start. Researchers believe SCT is a different disorder from ADHD, as it exhibits a different form of inattention. Studies suggest that roughly half of all patients diagnosed with SCT also have ADHD/ADD. Studies also report that 30 to 63 percent of patients with inattentive-type ADHD also have high levels of SCT. However, according to Russell Barkley, Ph.D., who has written extensively about SCT, “SCT is far more likely to be linked to symptoms of anxiety and extreme sadness and far less likely to be associated with disruptive, oppositional conduct or antisocial symptoms than is ADHD.”
Symptoms of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT)
Russell Barkley, Ph.D., who has extensively written about SCT, developed a rating scale for both adults and children to diagnose SCT. The 16 symptoms of SCT in children include slow behavior, lost in a fog, staring blankly into space, feeling drowsy or sleepy during the day, daydreaming, losing train of thought, low level of activity, getting lost in their own thoughts, easily getting tired or fatigued, forgetting what they were going to say, easily confused, lacking motivation, zoning out, getting mixed up, slow thinking, and difficulty expressing thoughts.
In contrast, inattentive ADHD symptoms include poor memory retrieval, excessive daydreaming, trouble staying alert in boring situations, behaving lethargically, acting withdrawn, and slow information processing.
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Treatment
Potential treatment plans for SCT can include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, but there is no accepted, scientifically proven treatment plan for it.
Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and antidepressant medications can help ease anxiety or depression and improve focus and attention. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also a viable treatment option. Lifestyle changes like improving sleep hygiene, modifying the diet, and exercising more can help improve lethargy and concentration problems.
Psychotherapy for SCT and ADHD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focuses on managing thoughts and emotions and therefore could also treat overlapping anxiety and extreme sadness. Other ways to manage symptoms include improving sleep hygiene by practicing healthy sleep habits, modifying diet, and exercising more can help improve lethargy and concentration problems.
Coaching for SCT
Coaching for SCT focuses on practical ways to deal with everyday tasks that might be more difficult because of the symptoms. Coaching helps individuals learn how to problem-solve and adopt positive behaviors. A coach for SCT can help review options for exploring and managing symptoms and options for treatment.
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References
https://www.additudemag.com › symptoms-of-inattentive-adhd
