The dexamethasone suppression test and depressive symptoms in early and late withdrawal from alcohol.
Results of the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in 30 alcoholic patients tested on day 5 and again on day 25 after their last drink are presented. Nineteen patients (63%) failed to suppress cortisol on day 5; three (11%) failed to suppress cortisol on day 25. Depressive symptoms, measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, were significantly correlated with DST results; the lifetime diagnosis of depressive illness was not. The authors conclude that the DST is not useful in detecting primary affective disorders during the early phase of withdrawal from alcohol.
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors
D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone