Lower digit ratio (2D:4D) in alcohol dependence: Confirmation and exploratory analysis in a population‐based study of young men

摘要

Abstract Moderately sized, case‐control studies have related alcohol dependence in middle‐aged in‐patients to lower second‐to‐fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D), a proxy for prenatal hyperandrogenization. As primary aim, we here intended to confirm that lower 2D:4D is also associated with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)–IV/‐5 alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder in a large population‐based cohort of young males. Exploratory aims included underlying mechanisms. We analyzed self‐reported data on 2D:4D, DSM‐IV/‐5 criteria, anticipated subjective responses to alcohol, and willingness to purchase alcoholic drinks from 4989 Swiss men of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C‐SURF). The mean of right‐hand 2D:4D and left‐hand 2D:4D was lower in men with DSM‐IV alcohol dependence than in those without (0.975 vs 0.981, P = .035) and lower in men with moderate to severe (0.974) than in those with mild (0.982, P = .001) or no (0.981, P = .003) DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder. Moreover, mean 2D:4D was lower in those reporting recent use of health services due to substance use problems (0.968 vs 0.981, P = .046). Lower mean 2D:4D correlated with a stronger anticipation to feel high following alcohol consumption (total cohort: ρ = ?0.033, P = .026) and with a willingness to purchase more higher‐priced alcoholic drinks (DSM‐IV alcohol dependence subgroup: ρ min = ?0.162, P = .002). This is the first population‐based study on young males to demonstrate lower 2D:4D in DSM‐IV alcohol dependence, DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder, and the related use of health care services. We also provide novel insight into cognitive‐behavioral mechanisms. These results should help to establish more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting 2D:4D and prenatal androgen exposure.