Digit Ratio and mental health: Everything you need to know

Introduction

Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all parts of mental health. It alters our thinking, feelings, and behaviour. Additionally, it influences how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make healthy choices. There is a relation between the digit ratio and mental health.

What Is the Digital Ratio?

Digit ratio is the ratio of lengths of different fingers or digits. Many scientists have suggested that this ratio, mainly the 2nd and 4th [1] finger ratio, is due to androgen exposure. Having a low digit ratio indicates a high direction to prenatal androgen. However, the 2D:4D lengths are different in males and females. For instance, in males, the fourth digit is longer than the second digit, whereas, in females, you’ll find the double number is similar to or longer than that of the fourth digit.

What Is Digit Ratio and Mental Health?

Many scientists believe that the digit ratio and mental health are robust, i.e., a higher percentage of 2D:4D [2] with depression is negatively linked. That means having a low 2D:4D ratio relates to high levels of prenatal testosterone compared to estrogen. A low digit ratio may cause earlier disease or lung cancer in women. Besides, a high 2D:4D percentage relates to the chances of breast cancer.
Depression is one of the most common yet dangerous mental ailments affecting millions. Primary mental health disorders are related to feelings of sadness for a long time, hopelessness, lack of interest, exhaustion, and more. A few studies reveal that the digit ratio and mental health are linked, such as a high digit ratio means high depression. However, this study indicated this result when the digit ratio of the right hand was measured.

What Is The Relation Between Digital Ratio and Mental Health?

High and low digit ratios contribute to mental health issues such as depression. For instance, higher 4D length and high prenatal testosterone lead to the risk of depression, especially in men. The following studies illustrate the relationship between the digit ratio and mental health.

In a study of 128 graduates, their digit ratio indicated that females with a high 2D:4D ratio were prone to depressive disorders. Another study revealed that there was no sex difference in digit ratios of males and females around depression. However, non-clinical samples showed a relation between the digit ratio and mental health. Due to different opinions and different study results, it’s vital to do more studies and evaluate Diop’s relationship between the two.

What Is The Impact Of Digit Ratio and Mental Health?

Digit ratios can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Numerous studies show that the 2D:4D ratio affects health and causes stress only in men. Researches also point to various connections between digit ratio and depression. Several studies indicate that the digit ratio causes depression in males, some that it causes depression in women, and others mention that there is no correlation.

As a result, additional research is required to explain how the digit ratio affects mental health.

How Do We Use the Digit Ratio and Mental Health?

A cross-sectional study gives the relation between the digit ratio and mental health. Here are the complete details of the cross-sectional survey to link digit ratio and mental health.

The study included 358 women aged around 20-32 years. The process of obtaining the 2D:4D ratio included the analysis of the palm side of both hands. While capturing the pictures of the palm sides, the camera was placed at the same distance and had the same magnification. The Image J software gives the length of the index and ring fingers, and then the division of the size of the index finger by the length of the ring finger provides the ratio. Beck’s depression inventory II showed the level of depression in participants.

The self-report scale had around 21 multiple-choice questions with scores between 0-63. Getting a higher score on the self-report scale means having high symptoms of depression.

Here is how the scale indicated the relation between the digit ratio and mental health:

1. 0 to 13 – no depression
2. 14 to 19 – mild depression
3. 20 to 28 – moderate depression
4. 29 to 63 – severe depression\

Till today, no study has defined the exact relation between the digit ratio and mental health. More such studies and reports can help to know how the two connect.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, we can say that the sex difference in the digit ratio of the right hand is absent in men suffering from depression. On the other hand, the digit ratio was minor in healthy individuals. However, different studies revealed that 2D:4D ratios strongly affect personality traits in both men and women. Thus, we can say that the personality traits due to the 2D:4D ratio can lead to mental health issues like depression or hopelessness.

If you or your loved one is dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, hopelessness, etc., it’s crucial to seek help from the experts. United We Care is one of the best online mental health portals where one can get assistance from expert doctors.

Feel free to contact us, chat with Stella or download our app for timely treatment and the correct diagnosis. It’s time to lend yourself a helping hand to overcome mental issues with United We Care.

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