Dexamethasone suppression test reversal in rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation-treated depression.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to report the effect of rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the mood and dexamethasone suppression test (DST) of a patient with major depressive disorder (DSM-IV).


METHODS
A 36-year-old woman with a past history of prolactinoma and recurrent major depressive disorder presented with major depression on three separate occasions over a 3-month period. DST was positive on each occasion.


METHODS
During each episode, a course of rTMS was given. Courses varied from seven to 13 once-daily treatment sessions depending on clinical response. These treatment sessions were 20 trains of 10 Hz for 5 s at 100% of motor threshold.


RESULTS
Remission was achieved, psychiatric rating scales improved and the DST status converted from positive to negative. There were no side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
DST status in major depressive disorder can be converted from positive to negative by rTMS. This so far unreported observation increases our knowledge of rTMS.
Reid
P D
PD
Department of Psychological Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania, Australia. preid11409@aol.com
Pridmore
S
S
D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D010901:Pituitary Function Tests / Q000379:methods; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D015175:Prolactinoma / Q000523:psychology; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D012074:Remission Induction; D012886:Skull; D013997:Time Factors; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone