Dermatoglyphic anomalies in psychometrically identified schizotypic young adults

Schizophr Res. 2005 Jan 1;72(2-3):205-14. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2004.03.012.

Abstract

Dermatoglyphic anomalies are hypothesized to indicate disruptions in the second trimester of prenatal development, a time period that appears to be critical in the etiology of schizophrenia. The present study examined the presence of dermatoglyphic anomalies in psychometrically identified schizotypic young adults (n = 51) and control participants (n = 63) selected based upon their scores on the Perceptual Aberration [J. Abnorm. Psychology 87 (1978) 399] and Magical Ideation Scales [J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 51 (1983) 215]. It was hypothesized that schizotypic participants would exhibit higher rates of dermatoglyphic anomalies than control participants. The Perceptual Aberration-Magical Ideation group exhibited lower total and absolute finger ridge counts and less complex pattern types than control participants--findings consistent with anomalies reported in patients with schizophrenia. These findings encourage future examination of these anomalies in individuals at-risk for schizophrenia and related disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dermatoglyphics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychometrics / methods
  • Risk Factors
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / epidemiology