Sluggish cognitive tempo predicts a different pattern of impairment in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type.
Compared 2 groups of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type (ADHD/IA)--those with high scores on a composite measure of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) and those without--using a large, school-based sample of children for which previous comparisons between ADHD subtypes have been reported. Although the 2 groups did not differ on level of attention or learning problems, high-SCT ADHD/IA children were rated by teachers as showing less externalizing behavior and higher levels of unhappiness, anxiety/depression, withdrawn behavior, and social dysfunction. Thus, SCT identifies a more homogeneous subgroup of ADHD/IA children who are, relative to the entire Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM-IV]; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994) diagnosed ADHD/IA group, more similar to those classified in previous research as "attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity." These results support a reconsideration of SCT symptoms as a component of diagnostic criteria for a category of nonhyperactive attention deficit disorder.
Carlson
Caryn L
CL
Department of Psychology, Mezes 330, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA. carlson@psy.utexas.edu
Mann
Miranda
M
D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D001288:Attention; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013781:Texas; D016896:Treatment Outcome