Evolution of fragile X syndrome and neurodevelopmental disorders research: a Scopus-based bibliometric analysis

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and specific learning disorder, are closely linked to fragile X syndrome (FXS). This study employed a bibliometric analysis to explore trends and shifts in research focusing on FXS and NDD. We extracted publication data related to FXS and NDD from the Scopus database and conducted a bibliometric analysis. This involved assessing cumulative publication trends over time, most prolific authors, geographic distribution, and co-occurrence of author keywords to identify the dominant research themes. The number of publications on FXS and NDD has steadily increased over the past decades. The United States emerged as the leading contributor, while China is becoming an important player in the field. An analysis of author keywords revealed a significant shift in research focus from molecular mechanisms to translational and clinical research. This analysis provides critical insights into the evolving research landscapes of FXS and NDD. These findings can inform future research directions, facilitate collaboration, and optimize resource allocation. Additionally, they underscore the necessity for ongoing research to deepen our understanding of these disorders and enhance treatment options for affected individuals.