Men with shorter index fingers at higher risk of schizophrenia

Men whose index fingers are shorter than the ring fingers, are at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia, suggests a new study.

The ratio of the lengths of the index finger and the ring finger in males may be predictive of a variety of disorders related to disturbed hormonal balance.

In a new study of 103 male patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 100 matched healthy male individuals, investigators found that the 2D:4D ratio may be an effective predictor of schizophrenia-there were significant differences between schizophrenia and control groups concerning the ratio of the lengths of the second digit to the fourth digit, as well as its asymmetry, in both hands.

Dr. Taner Oznur, co-author of the study said that asymmetry index showed moderate discriminatory power and, therefore asymmetry index has a potential utility as a diagnostic test in determining the presence of schizophrenia.

The study is published in Clinical Anatomy.