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Impact of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms on Adults’ Quality of Life

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Abstract

The symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been linked to dysfunction in numerous life domains for both children and adults. As such, it is likely that individuals with these and other related symptoms (e.g., sluggish cognitive tempo, SCT) may also experience impaired quality of life. The current study examines the association between ADHD and SCT symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in a community sample of adults. Quality of life data collected from 983 participants (M age = 45.6 years) were analyzed primarily through a series of hierarchical multiple regressions employing SCT and ADHD symptom clusters, demographic, and anxiety and depression scale variables as predictors. Results generally supported the hypothesis that ADHD and SCT symptoms would negatively associate with QOL. Amongst the indicators, inattention and SCT emerged as the strongest predictors of low QOL. These findings underscore the negative impact of ADHD symptoms in adulthood, the independent contribution of SCT, and the importance of considering QOL in prospective research and intervention.

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Notes

  1. Except for social QOL, given that herein this subscale was not included in the total QOL calculation (see Measures, above).

  2. In the hierarchical regression on physical QOL, HI was an additional, modest predictor (β = −.13, p = .024) in Block 3 for the older subsample; for psychological QOL, SCT (β = −.19, p = .002) emerged as a predictor in Block 3 for younger adults, whereas IA (β = −.21, p < .001) did so for older adults.

  3. Note: The shortened version of the psychological QOL subscale employed in this study omitted an item that directly tapped current depression and anxiety.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from the Quercegen Pharma and Coca Cola corporations. The authors would also like to extend their appreciation to the several assistants-- among them Jared Cook, Lindsay Tabor, and Kelsey Toomey-- who helped with the mammoth undertaking of data collection for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

    Martha A. Combs

  2. Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University, 222 Joyce Lawrence Lane, Boone, NC, 28608, USA

    Will H. Canu & Joshua J. Broman Fulks

  3. Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, USA

    David C. Nieman

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  1. Martha A. Combs
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  2. Will H. Canu
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  3. Joshua J. Broman Fulks
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Correspondence to Will H. Canu.

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Combs, M.A., Canu, W.H., Broman Fulks, J.J. et al. Impact of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms on Adults’ Quality of Life. Applied Research Quality Life 9, 981–995 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-013-9281-3

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