Sluggish Cognitive Tempo in Adults Referred for an ADHD Evaluation: A Psychometric Analysis of Self- and Collateral Report
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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
Jessica R Lunsford-Avery1, Scott H Kollins1, John T Mitchell1
1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
Abstract:
Objective: Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms uniquely contribute to psychiatric and functional outcomes in child samples; however, the psychometric properties of SCT measures among adult outpatients are unknown. Method: Adults (n = 124) presenting for an ADHD evaluation provided self- and collateral report of SCT symptoms. Results: The SCT scale had good internal consistency and yielded three factors across raters: Slow/Daydreamy, Sleepy/Sluggish, and Low Initiation/Persistence. SCT scores exhibited convergent validity with ADHD symptoms across raters. Individuals with ADHD received higher SCT ratings than those without ADHD via collateral report, a pattern that was similar when comorbidity was considered. SCT was associated with poorer functioning after accounting for ADHD symptoms with some differential effects based on reporting source. Conclusion: Findings support the internal consistency and validity of a three-factor SCT scale among adult outpatients. Differential results between self- and collateral report demonstrate the importance of multiple reporters of SCT in clinical settings.
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