The dexamethasone suppression test in patients with bulimia.
In a series of 28 patients with bulimia who did not meet weight criteria for anorexia nervosa, 14 (50%) failed to suppress on the dexamethasone suppression test. Nonsuppression was not associated with degree of depression, body weight, or severity of abnormal eating-related behaviors. However, nonsuppression was associated with a higher rate of treatment for affective disorders in first-degree family members. The utility of the DST as a biologic marker for affective disorder in patients with bulimia is questioned, although a substantial level of depressive symptomatology was documented in patients with bulimia.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001835:Body Weight; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003907:Dexamethasone; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D006963:Hyperphagia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012737:Sex Factors
D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone