Relevance of 2D:4D Ratio as a Marker of Depression in Adolescents of a South Indian Medical College – A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Context
 Digit ratio is a sexually dimorphic trait which is negatively correlated to prenatal testosterone exposure. 2D: 4D ratio has been associated with numerous physiological, psychological and performance traits in adulthood. The alarming rise of depression in adolescents poses a huge worldwide threat. Men with lower 2D: 4D ratios showed lower aggression scores while those with higher ratios had higher incidence of depression.
 Aim
 To compare the 2D: 4D ratio of the adolescents between sexes and evaluate the association between digit ratio & depression.
 Settings & Design
 In the present cross sectional study, 269 adolescents of 18–19 years of age were included by stratified random sampling. A single trained examiner measured the 2D: 4D ratios of the participants using digital vernier calipers. Depression scores were calculated using Beck's Depression Inventory.
 Statistical analysis
 Using SPSS version 17.0, comparison of digit ratios was done using unpaired Student t test.
 Results
 Mean 2D: 4D ratio of the study population was 0.97±0.082. There was no significant difference in mean 2D: 4D ratios (Males=Females) and mean depression scores between sexes (Males >Females). Mean 2D: 4D ratios of the depressed individuals were lower than that of the non-depressed individuals. (p=0.05)There was no significant correlation between 2D: 4D ratio and the depression scores.
 Conclusion
 The present study revealed borderline significance in difference in 2D: 4D ratios between the depressed and non-depressed individuals among the study population. 2D: 4D ratio could be used as a non-invasive tool to predictably forecast the proneness of child to depression in future.