Abstract: Using anthropometry, we analyzed a number of the dermatoglyphic characteristics in 202 patients suffering from depression (140 females, 62 males), compared with 310 normal (or control) cases (231 females, 79 males) from the Tianjin-based Han people. Differences were analyzed using t test or χ2 test with the SPSS 17.0 statistical software. Results showed that there were no significant differences in a-b RC and the incidence of the true patterns at the hypothenar and area I2, I3, I4 in both hands of depressed patients. Fingerprint pattern occurrence rates of the whorl and radial loop increased (P < 0.01), whereas ulnar loop occurrence decreased (P < 0.01), and in palmar FA (fluctuating asymmetry) values of a-b RC increased (P <0.01), atd angle enlarged (P <0.01), variation I type of simian line and wrinkles-palm were more common (P <0.01) in patients with depression.

Key words: Depressed patients; Dermatoglyphic; Fingerprint; Palmprint