The diagnostic values of cortical suppression test and dexamethasone suppression test in depression

Abstract EN

Studies using Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) in depression showed rapid elimination of dexamethasone in association with non-suppression.

To circumvent this phenomenon, cortisol was used as the suppressing agent (CST).

Cortisol and prolactin levels were estimated following both DST and CST done in series in a group of depressive patients and normal subjects.

Results of DST were generally consistent with those obtained by other investigations showing greater non-suppression of cortisol in depressive patients than normal subjects.

Cortisol responses, however, were not suppressed following CST and similar values were obtained in depressive patients and normal subjects.

Prolactin response to CST was significantly greater in depressive patients than normal subjects.