Which pair are cited as examples of neurodevelopmental disorders?

Which pair are cited as examples of neurodevelopmental disorders?

• A. ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• B. Generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety
• C. OCD and hoarding disorder
• D. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and major depressive disorder

Answer: (A)

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that originate from atypical brain development and typically begin in childhood, affecting areas like attention, social communication, or behavior. ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are classic examples because both usually emerge early in life and involve persistent developmental challenges—ADHD with inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, and ASD with difficulties in social interaction and communication along with restricted, repetitive behaviors. These features reflect developmental differences in how the brain grows and functions, which is why they’re categorized together as neurodevelopmental disorders. The other options don’t fit this category. Generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety are anxiety disorders that can appear in childhood or adolescence but do not center on early developmental deficits in brain development. OCD and hoarding disorder are obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, focused on intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors rather than foundational developmental impairments. Pairing ADHD with major depressive disorder mixes a neurodevelopmental condition with a mood disorder, so the items don’t share the developmental-origin pattern that defines this category.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that originate from atypical brain development and typically begin in childhood, affecting areas like attention, social communication, or behavior. ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are classic examples because both usually emerge early in life and involve persistent developmental challenges—ADHD with inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, and ASD with difficulties in social interaction and communication along with restricted, repetitive behaviors. These features reflect developmental differences in how the brain grows and functions, which is why they’re categorized together as neurodevelopmental disorders.

The other options don’t fit this category. Generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety are anxiety disorders that can appear in childhood or adolescence but do not center on early developmental deficits in brain development. OCD and hoarding disorder are obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, focused on intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors rather than foundational developmental impairments. Pairing ADHD with major depressive disorder mixes a neurodevelopmental condition with a mood disorder, so the items don’t share the developmental-origin pattern that defines this category.