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Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) (Formerly Sluggish Cognitive Tempo), Autism, and Insomnia Symptoms in Childhood Predict CDS in Adolescence: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study

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Abstract

Our study is the first using multiple variables to compare concurrent with longitudinal predictors of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS). The population-based sample comprised 376 youth (mean baseline age 8.7 and follow-up 16.4 years) rated by parents on the Pediatric Behavior Scale. The baseline CDS score was the strongest predictor of follow-up CDS. Baseline autism and insomnia symptoms also predicted follow-up CDS above and beyond baseline CDS. Autism, insomnia, inattention, somatic complaints, and excessive sleep were concurrently related to CDS at baseline and follow-up. Additionally, follow-up depression was associated with follow-up CDS, and baseline hyperactivity/impulsivity was negatively associated with baseline CDS. Oppositional defiant/conduct problems and anxiety were nonsignificant. Age, sex, race, and parent occupation were unrelated to CDS, and correlations between baseline CDS and 15 IQ, achievement, and neuropsychological test scores were nonsignificant. Results indicate childhood CDS is the strongest risk factor for adolescent CDS, followed by autism and insomnia symptoms.

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health Grants R01 HL063772, M01 RR10732, and C06 RR016499.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Dr., Hershey, PA, 17033, USA

    Susan D. Mayes, Daniel A. Waschbusch, Julio Fernandez-Mendoza & Susan L. Calhoun

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  1. Susan D. Mayes
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  2. Daniel A. Waschbusch
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  3. Julio Fernandez-Mendoza
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  4. Susan L. Calhoun
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All authors contributed to the analysis and interpretation of the data, literature review, and writing of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Susan D. Mayes.

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The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.

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The study was approved by the Penn State College of Medicine Institutional Review Board. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institution and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Parent informed consent and child assent were obtained from all participants.

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Mayes, S.D., Waschbusch, D.A., Fernandez-Mendoza, J. et al. Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) (Formerly Sluggish Cognitive Tempo), Autism, and Insomnia Symptoms in Childhood Predict CDS in Adolescence: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-023-01565-2

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