Worried you have ADHD? Ever found yourself zoning out mid-sentence, lost in a world of your own thoughts? Well, while occasional lapses in concentration are normal, persistent daydreaming and difficulty focusing might indicate a lesser-known attention disorder: Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS).
Often mistaken for laziness, a lack of motivation, or ADHD, CDS is a genuine neurological condition, one that scientists and researchers are paying increasing attention to.
What exactly is cognitive disengagement syndrome?
First described in the 1960s as the slightly less-flattering “sluggish cognitive tempo”, CDS was rebranded in 2022 to better reflect its core feature – cognitively disengaged.
“CDS is characterised by symptoms such as being easily confused, excessive daydreaming, fogginess or drowsiness,” says Dr Sofia Bouças, a psychology and education academic at Brunel University London, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“Individuals with CDS often exhibit slower behaviour and require more time to complete tasks. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t affect the quality of their work; they simply need more time,” she emphasises.
Although CDS is gaining recognition, it is not yet officially classified as a disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is used by healthcare professionals for diagnosing mental disorders.
But the lack of official recognition doesn’t mean it's not worth paying attention to (sorry). Recent studies suggest that CDS could affect between five to seven per cent of children – comparable to the more widely known attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“This means a substantial number of people could be struggling with the symptoms of CDS without even knowing it,” Bouças says, noting that the condition is likely under-diagnosed and under-recognised.
Is CDS just a type of ADHD?
In short, no. CDS and ADHD are two distinct conditions, though their similarities and overlap can cause confusion.
Bouças explains it like this: “ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It’s not 'and' hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, ADHD can manifest in three ways: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive or a combination of both.”
It’s clear then, Bouças says, that CDS has more in common with a predominantly inattentive type of ADHD than a hyperactive one. Studies indicate that CDS symptoms are present in 25 to 40 per cent of youth with ADHD.
Importantly, though, CDS can occur in individuals who do not have ADHD, highlighting its distinction.
What treatments are available?
Since CDS isn’t recognised as an official disorder, seeking treatment can be, well, tricky. Often healthcare professionals simply aren’t aware that it’s a thing.
Nonetheless, some psychologists use a combination of questionnaires and behavioural observations to help diagnose the condition, potentially laying the foundation for official diagnostic criteria in the future.
Nonprofit organisations like Cincinnati Children’s are leading the way on this; they offer CDS assessments and treatments including, psychoeducation, school-based resources, parent training, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), academic skills training and sleep interventions.
Bouças also highlights the importance of CBT, sleep hygiene and mindfulness practices in managing CDS. “Treatment depends on individual needs,” she notes.
The science surrounding medication for CDS is still developing. While stimulant medications commonly used for ADHD may not be as effective for CDS, evidence suggests non-stimulant medicine also used for ADHD might show more promise.
The best advice? Bouças recommends speaking to a medical professional, your doctor for example, and go from there. If you’re a parent of a child who might have CDS, working with their school could be a good starting point too.
About our expert
Sofia Barbosa Bouças is a Reader (Education) in Psychology at Brunel University London, known for her extensive contributions to Psychology and Education.
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