Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: July | Volume: 11 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 385-393
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20210753
Use of Dermatoglyphic Parameters as Possible Markers in Bipolar Affective Disorder
Amit Kumar Pal1, Sagarika Ray2, Jishnu Bhattacharya3
1MBBS, MD Anatomy, Senior Resident in Department of Anatomy, Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal.
2MBBS, MD Psychiatry, Senior Resident in Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry - Centre of Excellence, IPGME&R, Kolkata.
3MBBS, DPM (WBUHS), DCMH, FOAM, DEMENTIA ECHO (NIMHANS), Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, Suri Superspeciality Hospital, Suri, Birbhum, West Bengal
Corresponding Author: Sagarika Ray
ABSTRACT
Background: Bipolar affective disorder is an episodic illness characterized by fluctuating mood states. Association of dermatoglyphic traits with bipolar affective disorder has been observed in various studies. This study was undertaken to evaluate epidermal ridge patterns in bipolar patients as compared to healthy controls attending a super speciality district hospital in West Bengal.
Context and purpose of study: Establishing dermatoglyphic parameters as biomarkers for early diagnosis and consequently, prompt intervention in bipolar affective disorder will ensure a greater scope of recovery, and thus promote a better quality of life for the individual as well as lower the burden of disease for the society.
Methods: Quantitative dermatoglyphic parameters namely, Total Finger Ridge Count (TFRC), Total A-B Ridge Count (TABRC), and ATD Angle of 100 bipolar patients were compared to 100 age and gender matched healthy controls.
Results: Statistically significant differences were found on comparing the dermatoglyphic parameters between cases and controls. TFRC was found to be decreased while ATD angle was increased in bipolar cases, as compared to the control group. However, no significant change was observed in TABRC between the two groups.
Conclusions: This study found a significant association between dermatoglyphic pattern anomalies and the development of bipolarity. This may offer a scope of primordial prevention of bipolar disorder in future.
Key words: Dermatoglyphics, ridge pattern, bipolar disorder, Total Finger Ridge Count (TFRC), Total A-B Ridge Count (TABRC), ATD angle.