482- Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome: A Distinct Kind of Inattention
Dec 11, 2023
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Exploring cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) and its symptoms, the impact of CDS on academics and social engagement, interventions and school accommodations, the lack of knowledge about CDS in adulthood, and the importance of nutrition and lifestyle factors in attention and motivation.
Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) is a distinct kind of inattention that affects up to 40% of children with ADHD, characterized by trouble starting and finishing tasks, excessive daydreaming, and taking longer to complete activities.
CDS can have significant impacts on a child's day-to-day functioning, including slower processing speed, increased mind-wandering, academic difficulties, and social challenges, such as withdrawal from peers, and it can also affect sleep patterns.
To support individuals with CDS, it is recommended to use concise and clear language, give clear instructions, break down tasks into smaller steps, allow extended time for completion, implement morning routines to promote wakefulness, incorporate mindfulness practices, utilize cues or prompts to stay focused, provide structured schedules and organization systems, and collaborate with teachers for appropriate classroom accommodations.
Deep dives
Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome and its Symptoms
Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) is a distinct kind of inattention that affects up to 40% of children with ADHD. Symptoms of CDS include trouble starting and finishing tasks, excessive daydreaming, and taking longer to complete activities. CDS was previously referred to as sluggish cognitive tempo. Clinicians sometimes find it challenging to differentiate between ADHD and CDS due to overlapping symptoms. However, CDS is not the same as other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Causes and Impact of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome
The exact causes of CDS are not fully understood, but there appears to be a moderate genetic influence along with environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to certain substances and stressful life experiences. CDS can have significant impacts on a child's day-to-day functioning, including slower processing speed, increased mind-wandering, academic difficulties, and social challenges, such as withdrawal from peers. Sleep patterns can also be affected, with some individuals showing a preference for staying up late.
Recommendations and Interventions for Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome
To support individuals with CDS, it is recommended to use concise and clear language, give clear and simple instructions, break down tasks into smaller steps, and allow for extended time to complete activities. Increasing awareness of internal distractions, incorporating mindfulness practices, implementing morning routines to promote wakefulness, and encouraging engagement in pleasurable activities can also be helpful. Other strategies include utilizing cues or prompts to stay focused, providing structured schedules and organization systems, and collaborating with teachers to implement appropriate classroom accommodations.
CDS and Sleep Patterns
One of the main factors contributing to Childhood Disintegrative Disorder Syndrome (CDS) is a mismatch between a child's natural sleep patterns and external factors, such as early school start times. This can result in sluggishness and sleepiness during the day. Several studies have explored the links between CDS and sleep apnea or restless leg limb movements, but no clear associations have been found. However, restricted sleep has been shown to increase CDS symptoms, suggesting a possible causal relationship.
Real-World Experiences and Recommendations
Through interviews with families, researchers have gained insights into the day-to-day experiences of CDS. Parents often describe their child's behavior using terms like 'zoned out' or 'internal distractions.' Children themselves may associate CDS with positive attributes, such as creativity and imagination. CDS can negatively impact morning routines, academics, and homework. Families have tried various strategies, including improving sleep hygiene and establishing routines, but many feel uncertain about how to effectively manage CDS. While there are no evidence-based interventions for CDS specifically, some interventions for inattentive ADHD, such as parent training and sleep interventions, have been found to reduce CDS symptoms.
Up to 40 percent of children with ADHD also experience symptoms of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS). Learn about similarities and differences between CDS and ADHD, as well as evidence-based treatments, from Joseph Fredrick, Ph.D.
Free Resources on Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome and ADHD:
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