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

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.

To compare the 2D: 4D ratio of the adolescents between sexes and evaluate the association between digit ratio & depression.

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.

Using SPSS version 17.0, comparison of digit ratios was done using unpaired Student t test.

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.

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.