title: The dexamethasone suppression test and depressive signs in dementia.
abstract: The non-suppression by dexamethasone of endogenous cortisol production has been held to be a specific and sensitive indicator of biological depression. Non-suppression has, however, been reported in a proportion of patients with severe dementia. In the present study failure of suppression was found in 10 out of 20 demented patients. The non-suppressors scored significantly higher on a scale of signs of depression. Following antidepressant treatment, 3 out of 8 non-suppressors reverted to normal suppression, but this was not associated with clinical improvements. The implications of these findings are discussed.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Katona
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Aldridge
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004308:Dothiepin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
chemical_list: D003907:Dexamethasone; D004308:Dothiepin; D006854:Hydrocortisone