Dermatoglyphic studies in affective disorders: an appraisal.

The etiology, nosology, and mode of transmission of affective disorders is still obscure. A number of studies have suggested the division of manic-depressive psychosis into unipolar and bipolar categories with distinct mechanisms of transmission. This study focuses on the role of dermatoglyphics in the study of affective disorders. Dermatoglyphics add a new dimension to the diagnosis, nosology, and understanding of the genetics of affective disorders.