There are a grand total of 19 studies on Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) that have been published and recorded at the National Institute of Health data base. Seventeen of those studies are somewhat
Two studies validated that the symptoms of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo include:
Slow Processing/Increased Reaction
Under Arousal and Sleepiness
Daydreaming/Unfocused
Faulty Selective Memory
Several studies concluded that:
A) People with symptoms of SCT meet the classification of Predominantly Inattentive ADHD.
B) People who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD Inattentive do not all meet the diagnostic criteria for SCT.
Put another way, having SCT strongly predicts that you will be diagnosed with the Predominantly Inattentive subtype of ADHD (ADHD-PI) but being Predominantly Inattentive does not predict that you will have symptoms of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo.
Three studies report symptoms in individuals with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo that were not present in individuals with symptoms of Predominantly Inattentive ADHD without SCT. These symptoms included:
Higher Anxiety Levels
Higher Rates of Depression
More Social Withdrawal
Mores Social Dysfunction
Less Externalizing Behavior
One study looked at treatment with Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and found that the response to treatment was the same for Predominantly Inattentive ADHD with and without symptoms of SCT. One study found that ADHD-PI individuals with and without Sluggish Cognitive Tempo responded positively to Behavioral Therapy and that both inattentive symptoms and sluggishness symptoms were improved by the behavioral intervention.
One large study of over 2800 children found that boys with ADHD could be categorized as either:
A) Predominantly Inattentive
B) Hyperactive/Impulsive
C) Sluggish Cognitive Tempo
This same study found that girls with ADHD could be categorized as either:
A) Predominantly Inattentive/Sluggish Cognitive Tempo
B) Hyperactive
C) Impulsive
Another study found that the symptoms of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo did not predict differences in gender, age of onset of ADHD, or overlapping co morbidities.
It would appear from the first large study that girls are more likely to be inattentive and sluggish and boys less likely to be. This needs to be looked at more closely.
It should be noted that the American Psychiatric Association diagnostic manual, third edition, the DSM III had a diagnosis that was called Attention Deficit Disorder without Hyperactivity. This diagnosis was for people who were inattentive and had "inconsistent levels of orientation and alertness. They were described in the DSM III as sluggish, drowsy, and 'daydreamy'. Field trials prior to publishing the DSM IV failed to demonstrate a positive predictive value in diagnosing Predominantly Inattentive ADHD using the symptoms of SCT and these sluggishness items were discarded from the Inattentive ADHD symptom list.
Russell Barkley, a very well respected ADHD authority, believes that SCT and Predominantly Inattentive ADHD are one and the same. The psychiatric community obviously disagreed with him when they published the DSM IV. They continue to disagree with him as they are currently thinking that SCT is an entity separate from ADHD and are considering placing it in a category of its own.
Dr. Barkley has been correct about much of what he has reported about ADHD and some may argue that it does not really matter if he is right or wrong about this. SCT and ADHD-I respond about equally well to medication and behavioral therapy, both have inattention, both have fewer disruptive symptoms or externalizing symptoms when they are compared to people with ADHD Combined type or ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive, and both are more likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression when they are compared to the other subtypes (even though those with SCT are likely to be more anxious and more depressed).
A distinction is necessary because in people with ADHD-PI without SCT the issue of their level of arousal is significant. In people with SCT their low arousal level shades all their other symptoms. In people with SCT a treatment that addresses arousal level is imperative whereas in ADHD-PI the treatment should be tailored to address inattention without affecting arousal level.
To treat either SCT or ADHD-PI properly, the treatments must be tailored to the symptoms. A 'one size fits all' approach is not advocated in treating the three different subtypes of ADHD and a 'one size fits all' approach for Predominantly Inattentive ADHD and Sluggish Cognitive Tempo may not be appropriate either.
Dr. Barkley said that what separates the SCT from the other subtypes the most is the fact that it has NO problems with "inhibition".
ReplyDeleteDo you think the other PI subtypes have that problem?
I want to get it straight - you say the other PI is day dreamy (wonder around in his thoughts) but not hyppoactive (slow)?
It doesn't matter to me if you call it PI or SCT. The fact is one of them has to be addressed as a separate disorder. You can't say the "day-dreamy" type whose problem is internal is similar to the PH/C type whose problem is external. Right now in some point in their lives (maybe even at the very beginning) the C type might be considered (according to the DSM) as a PI, meaning them and "day-dreamy" type are at the same spot - this has got to change.
We know that people with ADHD-Pi are not impulsive. We believe that people with SCT are probably not impulsive though we do not have enough studies to state that without a doubt. I had someone comment on this blog who has symptoms of SCT and impulsiveness. I do not think that Dr Barkley or anyone else knows much about SCT as it has not been looked at apart from it's position as a sub-category or ADHD-PI.
ReplyDeleteThere is a difference between being 'spacey' easily distracted, or 'daydreamy'and being slow. People with ADHD-PI without SCT are easily distracted and can get lost in their thoughts but that does not mean that they also process information slowly.
Thanks for your comment!!
Tess
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Many institutions limit access to their online information. Making this information available will be an asset to all.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteI believe my husband suffers from SCT and has been "self medicating" with Vicodin. He claims that for the first time in his life he feels normal and can function properly. Can this be true?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your question. Vicodin is an opiate. It makes you feel good. It is NOT a cure for SCT anymore than alcohol or marijuana are a cure for SCT, ADHD or ADHD-PI.
ReplyDeleteVicodin is addictive. Please try to get your husband in to see a physician and/or psychiatrist in order that he may try something other than Vicodin that might help him.
To anonymous: I can relate to your husband as I am 40 years old and just recently diagnosed with ADD/SCT. Sometimes I feel like my whole life has been wasted. I know how devastating it can be. Encourage him to visit a neurologist or psychiatrist as Tessermom said. Adderall has been a miracle drug for me and -- taken properly -- it could change his life and be safe. Good luck (to you and him.)
ReplyDeleteThis has been my most valuable distraction today. Thank you for the site and your sharing.
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed 2 yrs ago,by my GP. No insurance for Psych at the moment.
My daughter needs full workup somewhere they have nuanced knowledge...she's already on Sertraline for depression, has battle anxiety and been told has ADD...some ODD traits too. 16yr old amazing Aquarian but suffering. Pls...any suggestions for diagnostic expert? We are on Long Island, but will travel if necessary. (she is a member of different insurance which covers psych). Thanks...need to do this asap.
Thanks for writing in!!
ReplyDeleteThe Hallowell Centers in New York City would be my first recommendation. Dr. Edward Hallowell is the author of Driven to Distraction and is widely respected in this field. He has an office in Needham, MA and in New York, NY. You can find a link to his website on the right of this webpage.
Let me know if I can help in any other way. Tess
I was recently diagnosed as ADHD and now after doing some research stumbled onto SCT and the bells went off in my head. Holy Cow!!! Thats me!!! I am going to mention it to my physician at my next visit. So far the first few days on Adderral were great but the affects have leveled off after the first week. I'm trying to watch my diet and really pay attention to my patterns to see what more I can glean about my particular case.
ReplyDeleteMany many adult years of experiments both self and wrongly diagnosed by many.- Daily excersize and adderal will greatly help the most.- I find that there is some correlation with seasons of the year but light treatments do not have much effect-.Practice in overcoming daily obstacles helps steer ones focus in the right direction - Do not set expectations that others will identify.
DeleteKeep us posted and thanks for writing in!!
ReplyDeleteI have SCT and I am so sick of it and you always have to have great insurance just to try anything so they can take advantage of it and jack up the price. Anywhere I can go and volunteer to be a guniea pig for the cure if I sign something saying I won't sue if they turn me into a brain dead zombie?
ReplyDeletePS. Because that's pretty much what I am now anyway.
ReplyDeleteWhat part of the country do you live in? I can see if there are any clinical trials going on in your area. Thanks for writing.
ReplyDeleteThis - as well as that previous entry - was a terrific read.
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed with ADHD-PI a few months back and have been feeling a little discouraged lately, being that my slow speed of comprehension/processing could not really be explained for by the supposed characteristics that a person with PI exhibits.
After doing a bit of research, however, I learned about SCT (something that the man who diagnosed me did not even mention) and how well I seem to fit the description. Tess: your writings have helped me fortify my hypothesis about what learning disability I may have and I will be eagerly anticipating a second evaluation once the new-and-improved DSM arrives in 2012.
Thanks a bunch. :)
I think that the DSM is due out in 2013 and that hopefully, by then, we will have a much better picture of SCT. Well that is what I hope anyway.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. Tess
I was DX'd several years ago ADHD before ADD-PI or SCT rose into mainstream thinking. The very reason I sought help was because I get super-stuck in my work. I KNOW what to do, I KNOW the consequences, but I just don't DO what I KNOW I need to do, at least not often enough. The consequences have to get pretty harsh before I go into action.
ReplyDeleteI drink too much because I love the stim and when left to myself, getting much done is a mess...I constantly seek things that interest me. 35+ years of underperforming & I'm ready to break from this hopefully once and for all so I can more closely get what I know transferred into action.
So, all that said, I am trying to find behavior treatment sources to deal with this but it isn't easy. I would prefer non-medication avenues if possible, though I suppose I shouldn't totally rule them out if they are effective.
Anyone know good sources for behavior modification treatment for ADD SCT? Thanks!
If you email me with the part of the country that you live in, I can research what behavioral therapy might be available in your area. It sounds like you are on the right tract to getting help.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing in and sorry it took me so long to respond.
Tess
This site is very helpful. I have a 5th grader who completely fits the description add/sct. he is only NOT sluggish when playing outdoors. my question is: can combination of medicines be used to treat. he seems to have no appetite on adderal and now vivanse. wondering if the dose of adderal can be reduced and combined with strattera (i read it helps more with memory)? Thanks for your help.
ReplyDeleteORyan,
ReplyDeleteYes this is what is often done. A combination can work better than a single medication.
Dr. Charles Parker is a pyschiatrist who has worked a lot with combination medication and he has written a book where he talks about these kind of situations. You can find the book which is called 'Medication Rules' under the heading 'Inattentive ADHD resources' in the Forum and Resources section of this blog which can be found in the upper right hand corner of this page. Thanks for commenting.
Tess
Dr. Barkley was just quoted in CHADD magazine saying "ADD/SCT is not a subtype of ADHD. It is a different disorder of attention entirely."
ReplyDeleteAt the Fall CHADD Conference he defined ADHD as a disorder characterized by a lack of emotional control and a lack of inhibition. He clearly was speaking of the Combined type of ADHD and of the Hyperactive type and NOT at all of the ADHD-PI 0r SCT type.
ReplyDeleteHis speech at that conference totally ignored the Inattentive subtype and the Sluggish subtype. It was clear to me that he no longer considered ADHD-PI or SCT as the same disorder as ADHD. He is a prominent voice in the ADHD psychiatric research community and it is very likely that his research notions regarding ADHD-PI and SCT will greatly influence the American Psychiatric Associations recommendations regarding removing ADHD-PI and SCT from the broad ADHD category.
This may be a great thing as it will bring greater attention to these subtypes or it may be terrible as, from a numbers perspective, there are far fewer adults and children diagnosed with ADHD-PI and SCT than diagnosed with Combined type ADHD.
Time will tell. Thanks for your up to the moment reporting!!
Tess
When I first came across a description of SCT, I I couldn't believe that I had finally figured out my 10 year old son! Unfortunately, while there is so much info. on ADHD hyperactive out there, there is almost nothing on ADHD-PI and SCT. I want to learn which medications and therapies are best for SCT...
ReplyDeleteMy son recently started Strattera. I think his attention has improved somewhat (we'll know more when school starts) but I am very concerned that he is still very lethargic and slow to respond. He has a small group of friends as he often comes across as disinterested. His speech is slow as he has a hard time formulating what he wants to say. By the time he gets the words out, he's lost everyone's attention. I am sad for him.
Are there other medications that would help him more with his low energy and slow speech? Should I look to behavior therapies instead?
Do you have any suggestions on where we can go in the Suffolk/Nassau County area for more help (behavior modification, biofeedback, etc.)? He is currently under the care of a pediatric neurologist. Also, I would be interested in any trials/studies in the area on SCT. I don't know where to start.
Thanks in advance. I feel so hopeful in finding this web site :)
I should clarify: I am in the Long Island area.
ReplyDeleteI am a 30yr old male, having been diagnosed when I was around five years old as having ADHD/PI. I have severe depression as well as moderately severe anxiety. I am very intelligent, yet struggle with many simple tasks throughout the day. I do fit all the criteria of SCT as is outlined in the DSM-III. I've responded well to methylphenidate and mixed amphetamines in the past, however this was over ten years ago. The NSRI's made my anxiety and depression worse while never lifting the fog. Years in therapy didn't help much, no insurance, wrong medication that only covers and masks the symptoms, etc. I speak slowly, only because I feel better about what I say when I know that it comes out in the way that I want. My personal relationships are nonexistent, not because I am unattractive or unlikable but because i'm usually too much 'work' for the other person. Many people have jokingly called me 'Eeyore'. I find that to be mildly insulting, yet it is fairly accurate. I'm the best friend anyone could have, but i'll never be like Tiger.
ReplyDeleteWow, anonymous (Feb 10th comment) I had to read that twice to make sure I didn't write that comment. Well if you find anything in the future that works for you post it here to let me know
ReplyDeleteThere are really no words to describe what our family has been through in dealing with our wonderful, but difficult to deal with, son. Since the age of 6 years old (now, 39), we have struggled to understand "how much is a disability and how much is our son simply being lazy." We are amazed that he has not turned to drug abuse (I likely would).
ReplyDeletePLEASE do all that you can to get the message of SCT out to all, especially educators and pupil appraisal personnel. Without understanding our son from the early years of school failure and now the unbelievable inability to retain meaningful employment, we (& he) continues to struggle. He now lives far away from us, and we attempt to help him; however, he is not consistent with the organization it would take to actually see a Psychiatrist & remember to take medication on a regular basis. We know this because of the many, many attempts at this while he did live with us.
We believe that our son is a wonderful young man & we will continue to love & support him. I cannot really imagine how he must struggle day to day...hopefully, with more understanding of SCT, he may get the help/understanding from those around him (family, friends, employers.) He has never been lazy. He most certainly has a Sluggish, Cognitive Problem. God help him.
I,m not sure about SCt but my daughter has ADD and in th elast 2 weks we tried supplements that are known to be often defiecient in those people,s brains, and it was fabulous! Methyl-B12, Attentive child, which has DMAE and others, L-glutamine. We had already determined that fish oil, and DHA helps, and that gluten and dairy make her feel depressive. Hope this helps. See http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/16/4/323.pdf
DeleteI too, have had a personal struggle like the son of the family above.I think the hardest part is employment - Many employers do not see the value of a slow worker in these days of fast past society. - They assume wrongly that there is some kind of help or support out there. By not making this illness a class of itself, Doctors are only making it that much harder on us. My point is the insurance part. There is hope, there is treatments, but none of this makes use of our brilliance as a value to society. Our plus is that (I assume) like me, many of us are methodical in our daily performnce. My doctor has never told me what I have. I have been seeing him for almost 15 yrs. I believe that he has classified me with adhd - but in reading this research, I do not agree totally that I am defiant. In fact, I see myself as the opposite. And now I have come to the conclusiion that he does not know what I have. But SCT is a fairly new development for me. We are very uncomfortable when not being able or afforded the proper amount of time to think and reason problems out to completion or soloutions that we can live with. Think about it - who has patience and time today to deal with this issue?? Some of my replies below ar under anonymous. You are welcomed to give your input to me at Balarie@globepoint.net. - Maybe we can get a support group going. - I do understand the family issues with children. But I suspect many of them may fall under a different category. Attention is not my primary qualifier. Slow can be misinterpreted in many ways (are we talking physical motor skills? or slow reasoning?)
DeleteAs I have mentioned - I have had many years of living with this illness.Some doctors have suggested that I know more than they do and that I should complete studies in this area - But I'm more interested in soloutions and how we can co-exist with todays world economy.
Christine, My kids also take the B12, Fish oil, Rhodiola and Bacopa and we have seen improvements as well!
ReplyDeleteHi Tess !
DeleteThanks for the tip ! I had not paid attention to Rhodiola and Bacopa but I think I will try them now.
I recently read about GABA and taurine for kids with sleep problems and depression and ADHD which all fit my daughter when without supplements.
Have you tried those ?
Christine
Hi, Both GABA and Taurine can be used for anxiety as they can be relaxing,calming and or sedating. I would not recommend these for anyone with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo or Depression as I think that they would make the person more sluggish. The Rhodiola is stimulating and for this reason is a better choice. Thanks for your great question!
ReplyDeleteIf I don't take my Concerta, I sometimes am able to wake up. But usually if I lay back down, I WILL fall back asleep and hardly have control over how long I stay asleep if I am left alone. If I take my medicine, I still can fall back asleep, but I have control over whether or not I stay asleep (if upon laying down I have some sort of intention to wake up soon, on my mind, for example). I really need that 72 miligrams of Concerta to get going. Otherwise, I often have inertia. I am 22 and 4'11 female, Caucasian, been taking medications since I was 7. Diagnosed with ADD and a processing disorder (not sure what... I have trouble with math and I used to have trouble with writing... I still suck at literature reviews, I take forever... but am hyper-focused when I look for research... have trouble switching tasks on my own though... I can get into a twilight zone sometimes, and it can last, hours, all day? So much wasted time, I often think at the end of those situations). My dad seems to have ADHD (or did), and my brother had very hyper symptoms as a kid, now he is just a joker and very judgmental and questioning, perhaps some OCD in the family too (his joking side: loves shows like South Park, Family Guy, and teasing as well as yelling at/criticizing his friends on single person shooter games live on his xbox 360). My mom if I didn't know better, has major SCT symptoms. I have to often show her how to do stuff on the computer (she was not a big user, unlike my dad), and she can zone out sometimes when I talk to her, she likes to keep to herself and read her magazines when not at work... she just seems to be the quiet one... but a bit histrionic or manic under stress at times... my brother is too... my dad is in reaction to all this when it happens at all the same time... me? I only get involved when it hits a personal cord... otherwise, I just wish it would all stop... the yelling... etc...) Maybe genetic testing would be the best thing ever for us. I've wanted that for a long time now, several years. I just wanted to share. Maybe someone has something to add to my thoughts, or advice to share? - Jennifer, UNF student
ReplyDeletePS: Jennifer again:
ReplyDeleteLately, (now and then, a day out of the week, rarely, maybe a few times a year or so... such as last night) when I am sleep deprived (i.e. 6 hours instead of my usual 9) I still can wake up quickly. I felt more alert today and less preoccupied by any feelings. A bit stressed, but strangely less so. Weird! I also take 1 Zoloft daily (and Concerta daily- all 7 days a week). I've heard depression makes one fatigued and possibly drowsy, and that loss of some sleep makes depression decrease- perhaps some of my fatigue is related to my slight depression? I was never diagnosed with depression. The Zoloft was to "counteract some of the Concerta side-effects". My dad is a Psychologist so works closely with my Psychiatrist. So, I too am involved. Plus I'm studying this stuff. :D
I stayed up deliberately texting with a guy. I wasn't having trouble sleep. I also take Clonodine, so that helps alot... but not always. I was up until I think 3am, woken up by my dad at 9am to take my medication, and he would not go to work until I got up, so I had to get up. Didn't bother going back to bed (would have to climb up the bunkbed wall latter anyway). I notice I want to sleep before I take my medication, but not usually after I take it, unless I am laying down after taking it, not particularly rested, and have nothing particularly exciting waiting for me to wake up. I'm sorry about making three comments.
Delete- Jennifer, UNF student
I felt more alert because I felt calm, kind of sluggish, but it made me feel more balanced. I felt alittle slow too, frustrated. I hate walking around campus (I get tired). Again, I felt more focused because I wasn't thinking about as many things (was to tired to have my usual busy brain). I'm often lethargic but it is more so when sleep deprived. But I feel more focused due to a more chill brain state. So strange... seems the medication (Concerta) makes me more physically active. Other times while on it, I feel like I'm apathetic (unmotivated), less emotional, less exuberant... but just more able to do things without needed to internally think about doing it. I don't have to push as hard. That is, early. I actually have lethargy the majority of the time. Less so when off of my medication. Isn't it supposed to help me focus? It does, but sometimes (unless I get my blood flowing), I zone out. I wonder if the medicine really helps or only sometimes. I've been on it for a few years now. Also I feel terrible without my Zoloft. Not emotionally. I think it's withdrawal when I don't take it on time. Been on it since I was like 14. I promise this is the last comment... lol
Delete- Jennifer
okay one more comment. "I was DX'd several years ago ADHD before ADD-PI or SCT rose into mainstream thinking. The very reason I sought help was because I get super-stuck in my work. I KNOW what to do, I KNOW the consequences, but I just don't DO what I KNOW I need to do, at least not often enough. The consequences have to get pretty harsh before I go into action."
DeleteI am alot like this. It's a scary feeling/situation.
- Jennifer
There's a lot about what supplements and meds people are trying to alleviate the symptoms, but are there other foods, chemicals etc. that are contraindicated for SCT (i.e. sugar, caffeine etc.)?
ReplyDeleteI have found that the root plants do help some as far as making one feel better internally and better able to cope, - I recomend button mushrooms,and sweet potatos also try mussels, oysters -as far as supplements - I have found nothing except for maybe zinc and St. johns wort - but a word of caution, my pysician had advised that while st. johns wort is a temperary euphoria, there is a downer effect or coming down to reality ad day or two after taking.,
Delete