Exploring Subfactors of Adult Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome and Impact on Neuropsychological Performance

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated subfactors of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS; previously referred as sluggish cognitive tempo) among adults referred for neuropsychological evaluation of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: Retrospective analyses of data from 164 outpatient neuropsychological evaluations examined associations between CDS subfactors and self-reported psychological symptoms and cognitive performance. Results: Factor analysis produced two distinct but positively correlated constructs: “Cognitive Complaints’’ and “Lethargy.” Both correlated positively with symptom reports (rs = 0.26–0.57). Cognitive Complaints correlated negatively with working memory, processing speed, and executive functioning performance (rs = −0.21 to −0.37), whereas Lethargy correlated negatively only with processing speed and executive functioning performance (rs = −0.26 to −0.42). Both predicted depression symptoms, but only Cognitive Complaints predicted inattention symptoms. Both subfactors demonstrated modest to nonsignificant associations with cognitive performance after accounting for estimated premorbid intelligence and inattention. Conclusion: Findings indicate a bidimensional conceptualization of CDS, with differential associations between its constituent subfactors, reported symptoms, and cognitive performance.