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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2018, 20, N3 (pages: 5 - 12)

The Second to Fourth Digit (2d:4d) Ratios in Patients with Heroin Use Disorder

Canan F., Sogucak S., Karaca S., Tegin C., Gecici O., and Kuloglu M.

Summary: Background: The ratio between the length of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D ratio) has been linked with prenatal testosterone concentrations, but also with alcohol and tobacco misuse. Aim: We aimed to investigate any possible association between 2D:4D ratios and heroin use disorder, and whether such a relationship might be independent of impulsivity. Methods: A group of 150 men with heroin use disorder, consecutively admitted to a detoxification and therapy unit, completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-version 11 (BIS-11) and had their 2D:4D ratios measured, along with a group of 266 male controls of similar age and education. Results: Men with heroin use disorder had lower 2D:4D ratios on their right hand when compared with those without heroin use disorder. Results from logistic regression indicated that 2D:4D ratios were not significant independent predictors of heroin use disorder when attentional and non-planning impulsivity were considered. Conclusions: These findings suggest that high prenatal testosterone levels, as measured indirectly by 2D:4D ratios, are not independently associated with heroin use disorder among males.