Fluctuating dermatoglyphic asymmetries in youth at ultrahigh-risk for psychotic disorders

Schizophr Res. 2016 Feb;170(2-3):301-3. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.12.013. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Abstract

Fluctuating dermatoglyphic asymmetry represents one specific class of minor physical anomaly that has been proposed to reflect prenatal insult and vulnerability to psychosis. However, very little is known about fluctuating dermatoglyphic asymmetry in youth showing symptoms of ultrahigh risk (UHR) for psychosis. Using high-resolution photographs of fingerprints and clinical interviews, the UHR group in this study showed greater fluctuating dermatoglyphic asymmetry compared to controls; however, this was not further linked to symptomatology. The results of this study provide an important perspective on potential biomarkers and support neurodevelopmental conceptions of psychosis.

Keywords: Dermatoglyphics; Fluctuating asymmetry; Neurodevelopment; Psychosis; Ultrahigh-risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Dermatoglyphics*
  • Female
  • Fingers / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Prodromal Symptoms
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Psychotic Disorders / pathology*
  • Risk
  • Young Adult