There is a bizarre physical trait that could tell you whether someone is a psychopath as a study has revealed that many share one thing in common.
Given how popular true crime podcasts, movies, and documentaries are there is definitely something of a morbid fascination with psychopaths.
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who isn't even remotely intrigued by the inner workings of a psychopath's brain.
With that being said, not all psychopaths are criminals and it can be a trait that helps people get highly sought-after jobs like being a CEO or a surgeon, per Forbes.
But how can you spot a psychopath in a crowd?
Ted Bundy is one of the world's most famous psychopaths. Credit: Bettmann/Getty
Canadian researchers have explored the potential biological roots of psychopathy by analyzing the finger lengths of individuals with clinically diagnosed psychiatric issues.
The findings, published in the February edition of The Journal of Psychiatric Research, suggest a link between finger lengths and psychiatric disorders.
The study focused on the 2D:4D ratio, where a shorter index finger and a longer ring finger indicate a lower ratio. The New York Post reports that individuals with a lower 2D:4D ratio were more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.
This ratio has previously been associated with the "Dark Triad" traits - Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy - along with aggressive behavior.
Lead author Serge Brand cautioned against jumping to conclusions based on finger lengths, stating that while there is a correlation, it's essential to understand that finger lengths do not define a person.
The study claims that those with a shorter index finger than their ring finger are more likely to have a psychiatric disorder. Credit: Bettmann/Getty
The study involved 80 volunteers, 44 with psychiatric issues and 36 without diagnosed mental conditions. Analysis of their hands revealed a consistent pattern: those with clinically diagnosed psychiatric issues had a shorter index finger and a longer ring finger.
Brand explained that a lower 2D:4D ratio is associated with higher prenatal testosterone and lower estrogen exposure during the first trimester of fetal development. He emphasized that the study provides insights into potential hormonal influences but doesn't determine an individual's destiny.
Melbourne psychologist Carly Dober weighed in on the study, emphasizing the need to separate Hollywood portrayals of psychopathy from real-life scenarios.
Dober noted that personality forms during childhood, shaped by a combination of inherited genes and life experiences. She pointed out that while psychopathic traits may make individuals more susceptible to criminal behavior, not everyone with these traits will engage in such activities.
James Fallon is a famous example, as he was diagnosed in later life as a psychopath and spent his life as a neuroscientist studying conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, per the Smithsonian.
As per Healthline, signs that someone could be a psychopath include: "Behavior that conflicts with social norms, disregarding or violating the rights of others, inability to distinguish between right and wrong, difficulty with showing remorse or empathy, a tendency to lie often, manipulating and hurting others, recurring problems with the law, general disregard toward safety and responsibility, expressing anger and arrogance on a regular basis."
Psychopaths struggle to form genuine connections with people, and should not be mistaken for a sociopath who can form these bonds but may find it hard.
Sociopaths often recognize what they are doing but tend not to care, while psychopaths struggle to understand what is acceptable in society.