Abstract
Introduction: Digit ratio or 2D:4D ratio is a sexually dimorphic trait. It is a proxy marker of prenatal androgen exposure and is negatively correlated to prenatal androgens especially, testosterone. Literature search revealed significant correlations between digit ratios and various physiological, psychological or performance traits in adulthood. Objectives: The pilot study was conducted to measure 2D:4D ratios of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and to compare it with normal (non-depressed) individuals and also to evaluate the correlation between digit ratios & depression scores. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in adults of age group belonging to 25-40 years with MDD (Group 1: n=30), from a tertiary care centre for Psychiatry. Using digital vernier calipers 2D:4D ratio was measured. Diagnosis of depression was done by the psychiatrist using DSM –IV criteria and depression scores were calculated by Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS). Depression scores using Beck’s Depression Inventory and digit ratios were measured in age and sex matched healthy controls (Group 2: n=30). Results: The Mean ratios of Group 1 (0.9659 0.04161) was found to be lower than Group 2 (0.9788 0.0371). Using standard cutoffs, Group 1 was divided into Low and High digit ratios. The proportion of Group 1 patients with high ratios (84%) was significantly more than those with than low ratios (16%) (p Discussion: The outcomes of the present study were synchronous with reports of higher incidence of depression in females, nationally and globally. This was concurrent with the other reports of the previous studies. This would help us to conduct the future studies even on large study population. Keywords: Digit ratio, 2D:4D ratio, Prenatal testosterone, Depression, Vernier Caliper, Beck’s Inventory.
Highlights
Digit ratio or 2D:4D ratio is a sexually dimorphic trait
Depression is forecasted to be the huge burden of all nations in the present & forthcoming years respectively & it is one of the commonest causes of disability adjusted life years (DALY). 20 The impact of depression can range from mood disorders such as anxiety, reduced academic performance, suicidal behaviors, alcohol and drug abuse to significant mortality & morbidity associated with them
The findings of existing research conducted on the relationship between depression and digit ratios were highly variable and the present pilot study was attempted to study the relationship between digit ratios and depression scores
Summary
Digit ratio or 2D:4D ratio is a sexually dimorphic trait It is a proxy marker of prenatal androgen exposure and is negatively correlated to prenatal androgens especially, testosterone. Objectives: The pilot study was conducted to measure 2D:4D ratios of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and to compare it with normal (non-depressed) individuals and to evaluate the correlation between digit ratios & depression scores. 1 The digit ratio or 2D:4D ratio is the ratio of the lengths of different digits or fingers It is measured, from the midpoint of bottom crease where the finger joins the hand to the tip of the finger.2 2D: 4D ratio or the ratio of lengths of 2nd (index finger) and 4th (ring finger) is negatively correlated to prenatal testosterone exposure.[3] Digit ratio or 2D: 4D ratio is independent of adult hormone levels and the ratio constant since birth. Manning et al have observed racial and geographic variations. 10,11
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