Depressives have longer fingers

MEN WITH unusually long ring fingers are more likely than most to feel depressed, researchers said yesterday. A study has found a strong link between ring-finger length and the likelihood of a man suffering depression.

As a rough guide, a ring finger noticeably longer than the index finger suggests someone who is prone to low moods. Dr John Manning and a team from Liverpool University made the discovery by studying 102 people from different backgrounds whose heights and length of fingers were measured.

They were also assessed with psychiatric tests to see if they suffered from depression. Dr Manning said: "This is only a preliminary study, but the relationship was very strong once you corrected for body size."

The length of fingers, particularly the ring finger, in relation to a person's height was the most important factor - tall people having longer fingers than short people. But a finger disproportionately long indicated a vulnerability to depression.

"As a very rough guide, if a person's ring finger is much longer than his forefinger you would expect a high depression score," Dr Manning said.

The effect of the male hormone testosterone on the developing foetus was thought to be responsible. Testosterone affects the development of fingers and thumbs, as well as the central nervous system.

Last year, Dr Manning's research linked long ring fingers with virility in men, and short ring fingers and fertility in women.