Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42053255›Full record

SynthesisBehavioural neurology2026

Mind the Gap: A Systematic Review of Borderline Intellectual Functioning in Childhood and Adolescence.

Paolo Stievano, Valeria Mammarella, Carlo Di Brina

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Behavioural neurology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Paolo StievanoDepartment of Mental Health; Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, uniroma1.it.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3832-3297
Valeria MammarellaDepartment of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, uniroma1.it.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9961-3741
Carlo Di BrinaUnit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, uniroma1.it.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0985-6086

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundBorderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is characterized by an IQ between 70 and 84/85, representing a cognitive condition associated with significant learning, academic, and behavioral challenges. Despite its prevalence and impact, BIF remains underrecognized in diagnostic classifications, leading to inconsistent clinical management and limited research attention.

objectivesThis systematic review is aimed at synthesizing the current literature on BIF in childhood and adolescence, focusing on its neuropsychological profiles, prevalence, and effective strategies to improve quality of life.

methodsWe conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Articles published between 2013 and 2023 were identified through electronic databases, including MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were studies presenting empirical data on BIF in individuals aged 0-18 years, with quantitative results on intellectual and adaptive functioning. Excluded were intervention studies, reviews, and studies focusing on unrelated neuropsychological domains.

resultsFrom 455 articles identified, eight met the inclusion criteria. Key findings include that BIF is associated with cognitive deficits, particularly in working memory and academic skills, with a 2-year developmental lag in reading and arithmetic. Prevalence estimates range from 7% to 14%, influenced by socioeconomic factors and environmental stressors. Tailored educational programs and vocational training are effective in addressing cognitive and adaptive challenges, highlighting the need for personalized interventions.

conclusionsBIF presents significant clinical, educational, and social challenges that require standardized diagnostic criteria and targeted interventions. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic approaches, exploring cognitive subtyping, and implementing cost-effective support systems to enhance the well-being of individuals with BIF.

Indexed as

Intellectual DisabilityIntelligenceAdolescentChildChild, PreschoolCognitionCognitive DysfunctionHumansNeuropsychological TestsQuality of Life

Identifiers

PMID42053255
PMCPMC13127099

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.