Dexamethasone suppression test and depressive symptoms in bereaved children: a preliminary report.
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.
Weller
E B
EB
Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210.
Weller
R A
RA
Fristad
M A
MA
Bowes
J M
JM
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
D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone