Concerned that you may be dealing with ADHD? Have you ever caught yourself trailing off in the middle of a conversation, getting lost in your own thoughts? It is normal to lose focus, but if you constantly find yourself daydreaming and struggling to concentrate, you may be experiencing a lesser-known attention disorder known as Cognitive Withdrawal Syndrome (CDS).
While often mistaken for laziness, lack of motivation, or ADHD, CDS is actually a legitimate neurological disorder that is gaining more attention from scientists and researchers.
What exactly is cognitive withdrawal syndrome?
CDS was first described in the 1960s as “cognitive tempo slowing” and was rebranded in 2022 to better reflect its core feature: cognitive detachment.
“CDS is characterized by symptoms such as confusion, daydreaming, absent-mindedness, and drowsiness,” according to Dr. Sophia Boukas, an Academic in Psychology and Education at Brunel University, London, in BBC Science Focus. People with CDS often take longer to complete tasks, but this does not affect the quality of their work, they simply require more time.
Although CDS is gaining recognition, it has not yet been officially classified as a disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is used by medical professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
Research suggests that CDS may impact 5-7% of children, comparable to ADHD, indicating that a significant number of people may be experiencing CDS symptoms without realizing it.
Is CDS a form of ADHD?
CDS and ADHD are distinct conditions, but they share similarities and overlaps that can cause confusion. While ADHD can manifest in three ways, primarily inattention, hyperactivity, or a combination of both, CDS is more closely associated with predominantly inattentive ADHD, rather than hyperactivity disorder.
Research shows that between 25 and 40 percent of youth with ADHD exhibit symptoms of CDS. Importantly, CDS can also occur in individuals without ADHD.
What treatments are available?
As CDS is not yet officially recognized as a disorder, seeking treatment can be challenging. However, some psychologists are using questionnaires and behavioral observations to help diagnose the condition, which may eventually lead to formal diagnostic criteria.
Organizations like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are pioneering CDS assessment and treatment, offering resources such as psychoeducation, parent training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene, and mindfulness practices are emphasized for managing CDS. Treatment options are still evolving, with non-stimulant medications showing promise for CDS, while stimulants commonly used for ADHD may not be as effective.
If you suspect you or your child may have CDS, it’s important to consult a medical professional for guidance on treatment options.
About our experts
Sofia Barbosa-Boucas is a Lecturer in Psychology (Education) at Brunel University, London, known for significant contributions to psychology and education.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
