What is the Difference Between Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders?

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The main difference between neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders lies in the developmental period when they emerge. Neurodevelopmental disorders typically emerge during the developmental period of life, while neurocognitive disorders are acquired during the lifespan of an individual.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are primarily associated with disabilities in the nervous system or brain function, affecting emotion, self-control, memory, and learning ability. These disorders include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental language disorder (DLD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities (DIs), motor disorders, neurogenetic disorders, and specific learning disorders.

Neurocognitive disorders, on the other hand, display a decrease in mental function due to a medical disease apart from a psychiatric illness. Examples of neurocognitive disorders include delirium and major and mild neurocognitive disorders.

In summary:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders emerge during the developmental period of life and are primarily associated with disabilities in the nervous system or brain function.
  • Neurocognitive disorders are acquired during the lifespan of an individual and display a decrease in mental function due to a medical disease.

Comparative Table: Neurodevelopmental vs Neurocognitive Disorders

The main difference between neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders lies in their onset. Neurodevelopmental disorders emerge during the developmental period of life, while neurocognitive disorders are acquired during the lifespan of an individual. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Feature Neurodevelopmental Disorders Neurocognitive Disorders
Onset Developmental period of life Acquired during the lifespan
Examples ADHD, developmental language disorder (DLD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities (DIs), motor disorders, neurogenetic disorders, specific learning disorders Delirium, major and mild neurocognitive disorders
Manifestation Typically display during early childhood Most prevalent toward the end of the life span
Impact Affect emotion, self-control, memory, and learning ability Involve abnormalities in communication, vision, hearing, movement, behavior, and cognition

Both neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders are types of neurological disorders, and they can lead to difficulties in various aspects of life, such as communication, vision, hearing, movement, behavior, and cognition.