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

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.