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The relationship between digit ratio (2D:4D) and intelligence levels in specific learning disorders.

Pınar Aydoğan Avşar¹, Tayfun Kara², Orhan Kocaman²

¹Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Alanya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya 07425, Turkey.

Early Human Development

|July 31, 2024

Summary

Individuals with specific learning disorders (SLD) exhibit lower 2D:4D ratios, indicating altered prenatal testosterone exposure. This ratio correlates with intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in males with SLD.

Keywords:

2D:4D ratio Dyslexia Intelligence Neurodevelopmental disorders Prenatal testosterone exposure Specific learning disability

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Psychology
Endocrinology

Background:

Prenatal testosterone exposure influences brain development, impacting learning and intelligence.
The 2D:4D digit ratio serves as a proxy for prenatal androgen levels.
Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are associated with neurodevelopmental variations.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between 2D:4D ratios and intelligence levels in individuals with SLD.
To compare 2D:4D ratios in individuals with SLD against healthy controls.
To explore potential links between prenatal hormone exposure and learning abilities.

Main Methods:

Inclusion of 117 patients diagnosed with SLD and 67 healthy controls.
Measurement of 2D:4D ratios (second digit to fourth digit ratio) in both hands.
Assessment of intelligence quotient (IQ) using the Wechsler-Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R).

Main Results:

Individuals with SLD demonstrated significantly lower 2D:4D ratios in both hands compared to controls.
Lower 2D:4D ratios were observed in both male and female participants with SLD.
In the SLD group, higher right-hand 2D:4D ratios correlated with lower WISC-R total scores and increased age.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest a link between prenatal testosterone exposure, indicated by 2D:4D ratios, and learning/intelligence in individuals with SLD.
The study contributes to understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of SLDs.
Further research is recommended to explore clinical implications and other influencing factors.