Psychogenetic Risk-Markers for Developing Anorexia Nervosa

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN), which typically affects female adolescents, is characterized by aberrant patterns of eating behavior, disturbances in attitudes toward and perceptions of weight and shape, and by a relentless pursuit of thinness and obsessive fears of gaining weight despite emaciation. AN is often develops into a chronic, relapsing illness. Statistics show that the annual mortality rate for anorexia nervosa is 5-6%, with suicide the second most common cause of death after medical complications. Therefore, early detection and medical-psychological intervention are of major importance for a favorable outcome.Since there are contributory genetic factors for AN I have designed a study to examine whether women suffering from AN are characterized by specific genetic characteristics: the complex configurations of ridges and creases on the skin surface of digits and palms. Positive results will show that these characteristics can contribute to the detection of individuals who are prone to develop AN. Notwithstanding the popular image of "fortune-tellers", scientific studies on epidermal configurations have been conducted for over two centuries. This field of inquiry is termed Dermatoglyphics. Method: Dermatoglyphic prints of fingers and palms were obtained from women in various stages of AN, and compared with those of healthy women. Results: A clear difference could be seen between the dermatoglyphic characteristics of women suffering from AN and healthy individuals. Hence, the aim of the research was achieved. Conclusions: The observed dermatoglyphic characteristics warrant replication for refinement. Moreover, since AN has serious medical consequences as well as a negative psychological impact, there is clearly an urgent need to implement the results in the form of an objective dermatoglyphic screening test, along with the currently available screening tests.