The Connection Between Left-Handedness and Mental & Neurodevelopmental Disorders

SOURCE studyfinds.org
Left-handed people appear more often among those with certain mental and neurodevelopmental disorders, as revealed by research analyzing data from over 200,000 individuals. The study suggests a potential link between brain development, hand preference, and disorders like schizophrenia, autism, and intellectual disability.

Key Points

  • Left-handed individuals more common in certain mental and neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Hand preference may serve as a visible sign of atypical neural development
  • Link between language function, brain development, and hand preference suggested

Pros

  • Provides insight into the potential connection between hand preference and brain development
  • Identifies higher rates of left-handedness in individuals with conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability

Cons

  • Caution against overinterpretation of findings for diagnostic purposes
  • Not all psychiatric conditions showed elevated left-handedness rates