Dr. Nigg’s research focuses on the underlying mechanisms and causes in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan. The primary focus is on cognitive and neuropsychological mechanisms. However, studies of genetics, family dynamics, personality and temperament, environmental toxins, and neuroimaging of ADHD are also ongoing.
Joel Nigg
Director, Division of Psychology
Oregon Health and Science University
From this contributor
Insights for autism from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder show genetic and neurobiological overlap, which may provide clues to the origin of both disorders, says Joel Nigg.
Insights for autism from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
By
Joel Nigg
7 February 2012 | 8 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
From genes to dynamics: Examining brain cell types in action may reveal the logic of brain function
Defining brain cell types is no longer a matter of classification alone, but of embedding their genetic identities within the dynamical organization of population activity.
From genes to dynamics: Examining brain cell types in action may reveal the logic of brain function
Defining brain cell types is no longer a matter of classification alone, but of embedding their genetic identities within the dynamical organization of population activity.
By
Liset M. de la Prida
9 February 2026 | 6 min read
Cerebellum responds to language like cortical areas
One of four language-responsive cerebellar regions may encode meaningful information, much like the cortical language network in the left hemisphere, according to a new study.
Cerebellum responds to language like cortical areas
One of four language-responsive cerebellar regions may encode meaningful information, much like the cortical language network in the left hemisphere, according to a new study.
By
Natalia Mesa
6 February 2026 | 5 min read
Neuro’s ark: Understanding fast foraging with star-nosed moles
“MacArthur genius” Kenneth Catania outlined the physiology behind the moles’ stellar foraging skills two decades ago. Next, he wants to better characterize their food-seeking behavior.
Neuro’s ark: Understanding fast foraging with star-nosed moles
“MacArthur genius” Kenneth Catania outlined the physiology behind the moles’ stellar foraging skills two decades ago. Next, he wants to better characterize their food-seeking behavior.
By
Lauren Schneider
4 February 2026 | 7 min read