title: Dexamethasone suppression test and depressive symptoms in bereaved children: a preliminary report.
abstract: Eighteen bereaved children and adolescents were assessed using the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents 4 weeks following parental death. Thirty-nine percent had a positive (nonsuppressed) DST. DST-positive subjects reported more DSM-III-R depressive symptoms (6.3 +/- 2.9 vs. 3.9 +/- 2.7, means +/- SD) than DST-negative subjects. Most frequently reported symptoms included dysphoria, loss of interest, sleep disturbance, appetite disturbance, psychomotor disturbance, and morbid and suicidal ideation. Post-dexamethasone cortisol levels were significantly correlated with the total number of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210.
authors: E B
authors: EB
authors: Weller
authors: R A
authors: RA
authors: Weller
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Fristad
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Bowes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001601:Bereavement; D002648:Child; D002667:Child Reactive Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008426:Maternal Deprivation; D010333:Paternal Deprivation; D010552:Personality Assessment
chemical_list: D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone