External ear abnormalities in existing scales for minor physical anomalies: Are they enough?

Abstract

The pattern of external ear abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder was studied. Sixty-seven male patients having schizophrenia (n=30) and bipolar disorder (n=37) were examined using a scale constructed for the study. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that ‘prominent crux of helix’ and ‘ear lobe crease’ could differentiate between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These external ear abnormalities need further characterization and consideration for possible inclusion in scales that assess minor physical anomalies.