Publication:

A comparative study of dermatoglyphic markers in schizophrenia patients and normal controls

Background Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness with multiple etiological factors. Prenatal insult to the developing foetus has been implicated as a major risk factor for the genesis of schizophrenia, according to the neuro-developmental model. As the brain and skin are ectodermal derivatives, insult to developing brain is reflected in several dermatoglyphic markers.

Methods Total finger ridge count (TFRC), Total A-B ridge count (TABRC) and ATD Angle of 100 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were compared with 100 age and sex matched healthy controls.

Results Statistically significant differences were observed in the values recorded and compared between healthy controls and schizophrenia patients.

Conclusions This study shows the correlation between abnormalities in dermatoglyphic patterns and development of schizophrenia.