Title: [In unipolar depression does the response to the dexamethasone suppression test predict a symptomatic recurrence after clinical cure?]. Author: Charles G, Schittecatte M, Maes JM, Rush AJ, Wilmotte J. Journal: Acta Psychiatr Belg; 1986; 86(3):249-56. PubMed ID: 3751648. Abstract: We assessed the length and the quality of the remission of 13 unipolar endogenous depressed DST nonsuppressors before treatment in a 2-year prospective study. During this period, we recorded stressful life events. Persistent dexamethasone non-suppression after treatment and complete clinical recovery correlated highly with early clinical relapse. All six nonnormalizers but only one normalizer were rehospitalized within the following two years for a major depressive relapse. Persistent DST nonsuppression was unrelated to any impact of drug discontinuation, to the occurrence of stressful life events or to the length of illness-free intervals in the patient's prior course of illness. Persistent DST non-suppression appears to have a significant prognostic value.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]
