The dexamethasone suppression test in newly hospitalized schizophrenic patients

Am J Psychiatry. 1985 Jan;142(1):127-9. doi: 10.1176/ajp.142.1.127.

Abstract

Of 15 unmedicated chronic schizophrenic patients with acute exacerbations and 15 healthy controls given the dexamethasone suppression test (DST), 11 patients and two controls were nonsuppressors. The results add to the evidence that the DST has limited value in psychiatric diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Dexamethasone*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Hospitalization*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Male
  • Schizophrenia / blood
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology

Substances

  • Dexamethasone
  • Hydrocortisone