A Cross-sectional Study of Dermatoglyphics Patterns in Female Schizophrenics

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the fingerprint and palm print patterns of female schizophrenia patients and normal controls.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Material and Methods: Fifty females with schizophrenia, ranging in age from 16 to 60, were selected, along with an equal number of age-matched normal controls. The fingerprints and palm prints were taken using the standard ink process.

Results: In schizophrenic females, the arches are considerably shorter than in controls (p<0.05). In schizophrenic females, there is a higher percentage of frequency of presence of patterns in Th/I1 and hypothenar areas of the right hand; the difference in frequency of Th/I1 area is statistically significant (p<0.05) and low percentage of frequency of presence of patterns in I2, I3 and I4 areas of left hand in schizophrenic females as compared to that of controls; of which, I4 area shows highly significant less presence of patterns in schizophrenic females (p<0.01). In schizophrenic females, there is a substantial increase in the prevalence of ridge dissociation in both hands when compared to controls (p<0.001). In both palms of schizophrenic females, the mean ‘atd' angle is higher than in controls (left hand - (p<0.05). In schizophrenic females, the mean ‘a-b' ridge count in the left hand and the mean ‘b-c' ridge count in the right hand are lower (p<0.05) than in controls..

Conclusion: Dermatoglyphic patterns are recognized by genetic factors. When analysed in conjunction with clinical features of schizophrenia, dermatoglyphic patterns can distinguish between patients and control groups.