Which disorders are included in the DSM-5 category of neurodevelopmental disorders?

• A. A category of psychological disorders in the DSM-5 that includes ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• B. A class of mood disorders
• C. A set of personality disorders
• D. A group of anxiety disorders

Answer: (A)

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that begin during the developmental period and involve impairments in learning, communication, social interaction, or behavior due to atypical brain development. ADHD and autism spectrum disorder fit this category because they typically emerge in childhood and produce persistent difficulties across multiple areas of functioning. Other DSM-5 categories focus on different primary patterns: mood disorders revolve around disturbances in mood, anxiety disorders around excessive fear or worry, and personality disorders reflect enduring patterns of personality. These are not defined by early developmental onset in the same way, which is why ADHD and ASD are placed under neurodevelopmental disorders.