Development of a neuropsychological and psychosocial pathophysiological model of neurodevelopmental disorders: validation from both disease and community cohorts

Abstract

This study aims to build a cohort to examine the relationship between neurodevelopmental disorder tendencies and symptom severity and determine if a common pathological model can be constructed in the presence and absence of the disorder. Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are conditions with persistent cognitive and behavioural differences from childhood, often resulting in maladaptation to the environment and disruption of life. Conversely, the presence of cognitive and behavioural differences does not necessarily diagnose neurodevelopmental disorder. In many cases, a hospital visit is considered necessary but does not lead to medical care and support. This is believed to be due to various psychosocial factors in addition to neurodevelopmental characteristics, but it is not clear. This study aims to establish a local cohort of individuals without neurodevelopmental disorders who are willing to cooperate and obtain data on cognitive function tests related to the pathological hypothesis of neurodevelopmental disorder, neurodevelopmental tendencies, maladaptive behaviour, psychopathology, and questionnaires on child rearing and parent-child health. Previously, we have established a disease cohort of individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders to test cognitive functions related to the pathological hypothesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as social communication-related, executive, and temporal cognitive functions, and examine the relationship between these functions and neurodevelopmental tendencies and psychopathology. We aim to construct an elaborate pathological model by examining whether a pathological model similar to that of the disease cohort can be established in the regional cohort to be constructed presently. Furthermore, by focusing on psychosocial factors in addition to the information obtained from the conventional disease cohort, we aim to construct a model of the situation of risk factors related to cases that do not lead to medical assistance and difficulties in childcare and propose a strategy to prevent the severity of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Perspectives

Expected benefits may include the following:

• An elaborate pathological model of neurodevelopmental disorders, including psychosocial factors, can be constructed.
• By clarifying the differences between the disease and regional cohorts, it might clarify whether there are problems with the pathological model targeting only those diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Be able to identify psychosocial factors associated with maladaptive behaviour and help-seeking in neurodevelopmental disorders.
• By identifying factors that influence maladaptive behaviour, childcare difficulties, and development of psychiatric disorders, it is possible to identify items (questionnaires to be measured annually) that should be considered regularly to monitor the mental health status of children. This provides an opportunity to intervene with participants in need of support, regardless of their developmental characteristics and recommend preventive measures for these problems.

Comments from principal researcher

Yuka Egashira, Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry

The symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders exhibit substantial inter- and intra-individual variations, necessitating extensive collaboration from various individuals in the construction of a pathophysiological model. It is imperative to investigate developmental characteristics, cognitive functions, and other related factors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the condition. To date, we have garnered the participation of over 300 individuals, and have published some of our findings, shedding light on the relationship between neurodevelopmental traits and cognitive functions pertaining to the pathophysiology. This research seeks to further enhance our understanding and generate additional insights through comprehensive exploration.

Shared Researchers

Yuki Hakoshima, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine