The dexamethasone suppression test and prediction of outcome in patients receiving ECT.
Twenty-six in-patients satisfying DSM-III criteria for major depressive episode were assessed using the Newcastle Diagnostic and ECT Predictor Scales and the dexamethasone suppression test (DST), prior to commencing a course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The Newcastle ECT Predictor Scale was successful in predicting both immediate outcome and outcome over the 6 months following ECT; the DST was unsuccessful in predicting either immediate or 6-month outcome.
Katona
C L
CL
Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London.
Aldridge
C R
CR
Roth
M
M
Hyde
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis
D003907:Dexamethasone