Sex differences in digit ratio (2D:4D) are disrupted in adolescents with schizotypal personality disorder: altered prenatal gonadal hormone levels as a risk factor.
The 2nd to 4th finger digit ratio (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic feature determined during gestation indexing prenatal androgen/estrogen levels. More 'feminized' 2D:4D phenotype has been demonstrated in schizophrenia versus same-sex controls. This study examined 2D:4D in adolescents with schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). Among normal controls, right 2D:4D was significantly greater (more feminized) in females than males. We replicated laterality effects; significant sex differences only on right. There were no significant sex differences among SPDs. Diagnostic group differences were restricted to White/Caucasian males with greater right 2D:4D in SPDs. Findings suggest disruptions in prenatal gonadal hormones in vulnerability for schizophrenia.
Walder
Deborah J
DJ
Psychology Department at Brooklyn College-City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA. dwalder@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Andersson
Terese L C
TL
McMillan
Amanda L
AL
Breedlove
S Marc
SM
Walker
Elaine F
EF
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000473:pathology*; D042341:Gonadal Hormones; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012569:Schizotypal Personality Disorder / Q000473:pathology*; D012727:Sex Characteristics
D042341:Gonadal Hormones