DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST - USE OF 2 DIFFERENT DEXAMETHASONE DOSES

Abstract

The endocrinologic methods used in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) for depression were examined by employing 2 different doses of dexamethasone (0.5 or 1.0 mg) at 2300 h. Nonsuppression to the 1.0 mg DST (plasma cortisol criterion value of 5 .mu.g/dl) was seen in 33% of major depressives and 15% of schizophrenics. A similar result was obtained with the 0.5 mg DST when 12 .mu.g/dl was employed as the plasma cortisol criterion value. Plasma cortisol levels 33 h postdexamethasone did not distinguish between major depressives and schizophrenics.