Uncovering a Clinical Portrait of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo within an Evaluation for ADHD: A Case Study

• Published in: Clinical child psychology and psychiatry 2014-10, Vol.21 (1), p.81-94
• Main Authors: Becker, Stephen P., Ciesielski, Heather A., Rood, Jennifer E., Froehlich, Tanya E., Garner, Annie A., Tamm, Leanne, Epstein, Jeffery N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1359-1045; 1461-7021
• DOI: 10.1177/1359104514554312

Despite the burgeoning scientific literature examining the sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) construct, very little is known about the clinical presentation of SCT. In clinical cases where SCT is suspected, it is critical to carefully assess not only for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but also for other comorbidities that may account for the SCT-related behaviors, especially internalizing symptoms and sleep problems. The current case study provides a clinical description of SCT in a 7-year-old girl, offering a real-life portrait of SCT while also providing an opportunity to qualitatively differentiate between SCT and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), other psychopathologies (e.g., depression, anxiety), and potentially related domains of functioning (e.g., sleep, executive functioning). “Jessica” was described by herself, parents, and teacher as being much slower than her peers in completing schoolwork, despite standardized testing showing Jessica to have above average intelligence and academic achievement. Jessica’s parents completed rating scales indicating high levels of SCT symptoms and daytime sleepiness, as well as mildly elevated EF deficits. More research is needed to determine how to best conceptualize, assess, and treat SCT, and Jessica’s case underscores the importance of further work in this area.