What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to validate the Cortical Informational Field Theory's prediction regarding the ordering of neuropsychiatric conditions.

June 19, 2026Open Access

A continuous order-parameter gradient across neuropsychiatric conditions: empirical validation of the Cortical Informational Field Theory nosological axis

Key Points

The aim is to validate the Cortical Informational Field Theory's prediction regarding the ordering of neuropsychiatric conditions.
Analyzed resting-state fMRI data from four independent datasets with a total of 1,442 subjects.
Calculated Spearman correlation to compare empirical ordering against theoretical prediction.
Conducted individual group comparisons and assessed their statistical significance.
Empirical ordering replicated theoretical ranking with high fidelity (Spearman ρ=0.964, p=0.0005).
Individual group comparisons did not meet significance after FDR correction, consistent with expected low effect sizes (d≈0.2–0.4).
Evidence suggests that λ_eff reflects a continuous neurobiological dimension separate from DSM-5 categories.

Abstract

The Cortical Informational Field Theory (CIFT) predicts a specific ordering of neuropsychiatric conditions along a continuous bifurcation parameter axis (λₑff), from supercritical hypersynchronous states (ADHD) through the critical point (NT) to subcritical hyposynchronous states (Schizophrenia). We tested this prediction in resting-state fMRI data from four independent datasets (ABIDE I+II, ADHD-200, UCLA CNP ds000030, TCP ds005237; total n=1, 442; 7 diagnostic conditions). The empirical ordering replicated the theoretically predicted ranking with near-perfect fidelity (Spearman ρ=0. 964, p=0. 0005), using a pre-specified theoretical order derived from CIFT prior to data analysis. Individual group comparisons did not survive FDR correction, consistent with expected power for d≈0. 2–0. 4. These results provide preliminary evidence that λₑff captures a continuous neurobiological dimension orthogonal to DSM-5 categories. Includes interactive 3D visualization of the nosological space. v4 (Jun 17, 2026): Bipolar disorder direct ΔC1/ΔR coordinates added (ΔC1=−0. 009, ΔR=−0. 004, n=49, UCLA CNP ds000030) ; site noise floor empirically quantified via CtrlPeking (n=46) ; Stjepovic nosological plane updated to v8 (n≈1750, 14 phenotypes) ; §4. 3 and §4. 5 expanded.

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