Concentration Deficit Disorder

Very interesting article in the Summer 2014 issue of ADDitude Magazine, about Concentration Deficit Disorder, or CDD.

I first learned about CDD a few years ago, when it was being referred to as Sluggish Cognitive Tempo—a terrible name! Dr. Russell Barkley and other researchers in the field of ADHD have theorized that some people who have been diagnosed with inattentive type ADHD may actually have CDD. There is still a lot of research to be done, but preliminary findings suggest that CDD is a distinctly different condition, and not just a sub-type of ADHD.

Some of the symptoms are:

  • difficulty concentrating
  • excessive daydreaming
  • lethargy
  • slower processing speeds
  • slower to complete tasks

I have mixed feelings about a lot of these labels. It’s great that there is recognition that a multitude of neurological processing challenges exist, and I support the use of labels when it helps people to better understand and communicate ideas. On the other hand, I know many people (including a very close family member) that clearly have challenges, but because their particular set of issues doesn’t tick all the boxes, they have a hard time getting the support that is needed.

I truly believe we need the diversity of a wide spectrum of neurological profiles. My idea of utopia is a world where we all work together to enhance and bolster each person’s unique set of strengths and we all support each other in our individual areas of challenge.