Identification of depression in children and adolescents: the role of the dexamethasone suppression test.

摘要: The usefulness of the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was examined in 33 consecutive inpatient admissions to a psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. A standard DST procedure used which cortisol serum levels were taken at baseline 8:00 A.M., 4:00 P.M., 11:00 P.M. following administration 1 mg dexamethasone. Subjects also received structured interview, completed self-rating personality inventories had their charts reviewed family history depression. found have 40% sensitivity 92% specificity. Comparison depressed suppressors nonsuppressors did not reveal differences intensity symptoms These groups differed profiles, histories past Guidelines assessing place comprehensive evaluation depression adolescents are discussed.