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The relationship between DST results and suicidal behavior
Donald W Black1, Patrick O Monahan, George Winokur
1Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Summary
The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) does not predict suicidal behavior in mood disorder patients. Abnormal DST results were not linked to suicidal ideation or completed suicides in this study.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) has been investigated as a potential biological marker for mood disorders.
- Previous research suggested a possible link between DST abnormalities and suicidal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between dexamethasone suppression test (DST) results and suicidal ideation and behavior in mood disorder patients.
- To determine if abnormal DST results can predict suicidal behavior.
Main Methods:
- Four hundred twenty-three mood disorder patients underwent the DST.
- Patients were followed up to determine death status using record-linkage.
- Logistic regression analysis controlled for diagnosis and other variables.
Main Results:
- Over 44% of patients exhibited abnormal cortisol suppression (nonsuppressors).
- No significant difference in suicidal ideation or completed suicides was found between suppressors and nonsuppressors.
- Nonsuppressors had a history of suicide attempts or made attempts post-discharge.
Conclusions:
- An abnormal DST is not a useful predictor of suicidal behavior.
- The DST's utility in predicting suicide risk in mood disorder patients is limited.