What Are the Symptoms of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo?

Distracted Or Confused Easily

Like ADHD patients, individuals with sluggish cognitive tempo often become distracted or confused easily. Neurotypical individuals can usually follow through and concentrate on a task for a certain period. In the average neurotypical individual, concentration lasts about forty-five minutes before a break is necessary. However, SCT patients might be distracted by any new sensory input like new sounds, overheard conversations, smells, sights, and feelings. Even in distraction-free environments, they might become distracted by their own thoughts. This can be extremely frustrating because the brain often doesn't retain information like a neurotypical individual's. Instead of returning from the distraction to the task like there wasn't an interruption, someone with sluggish cognitive tempo may struggle to remember what they were doing or where they were in a task. Confusion also occurs often and easily because of how those with SCT struggle to process information as quickly as their peers. They may become lost, especially when trying to follow fast-paced conversations, complicated thought processes, or extremely detailed instructions.