Topical review: sluggish cognitive tempo: research findings and relevance for pediatric psychology

Abstract

Objective: To summarize recent research on sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) and consider the potential relevance of SCT for the field of pediatric psychology.

Methods: Literature review.

Results: Recent empirical evidence shows SCT symptoms consisting of sluggish/sleepy and daydreamy behaviors to be distinct from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. SCT is associated with psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents, including internalizing symptoms, social withdrawal, and, possibly, academic impairment.

Conclusions: The recent findings reviewed suggest that SCT is an important construct for pediatric psychologists to be aware of and may also be directly useful for the research and practice of pediatric psychology.

Keywords: ADHD; SCT; attention deficit disorder; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; executive functioning; pediatrics; sluggish cognitive tempo.