The performance of the cortisol suppression test and the dexamethasone suppression test in depression

Abstract

Studies using the 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 after both DST and CST had been done in series in a group of depressive patients and normal subjects. Results of the DST were generally consistent with those obtained with other investigations showing greater non-suppression of cortisol in depressive patients than in normal subjects. Cortisol responses, however, were not suppressed after CST, and similar values were obtained in depressive patients and normal subjects. The prolactin response to CST was significantly greater in depressive patients than in normal subjects.

Key Words:

• Cortisol
• Depression
• Dexamethasone suppression test
• Prolactin