Schizophrenia Research
Volume 86, Issue 1 , Pages 118-122, September 2006

Sex differences in digit ratio (2D:4D) are disrupted in adolescents with schizotypal personality disorder: Altered prenatal gonadal hormone levels as a risk factor☆

  • Deborah J. Walder

      Affiliations

    • Psychology Department at Brooklyn College-City University of New York, Room 5315 James Hall, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210, United States
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1 718 951 5000x6013; fax: +1 718 951 4814.
    • ,
  • Terese L.C. Andersson

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychology at Emory University, 532 N. Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
    • ,
  • Amanda L. McMillan

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychology at Emory University, 532 N. Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
    • ,
  • S. Marc Breedlove

      Affiliations

    • Departments of Neuroscience, Psychology and Zoology at Michigan State University, United States
    • ,
  • Elaine F. Walker

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychology at Emory University, 532 N. Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States

Received 7 February 2006; received in revised form 12 April 2006; accepted 17 April 2006.

Abstract 

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.

Keywords: Schizotypal personality disorder, Schizophrenia, Digit ratio, Sex differences, Hormones, Neurodevelopment

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☆ This research was supported by grant # RO1 MH4062066 awarded to Dr. Walker by the National Institute of Mental Health.

PII: S0920-9964(06)00181-2

doi:10.1016/j.schres.2006.04.006

Schizophrenia Research
Volume 86, Issue 1 , Pages 118-122, September 2006

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