Depression after minor closed head injury: role of dexamethasone suppression test and antidepressants

The results of dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and the effectiveness of amitriptyline and phenelzine in treating depression with melancholia after minor closed head injury in 10 patients were compared to those in 12 control patients with primary depression and melancholia. Prevalence of abnormal DST results was higher in the control group (91%) than in the closed head injury group (10%). Results of the DST corresponded with clinical improvement. Amitriptyline produced significant and consistent improvement in all control patients at the end of 4 weeks of treatment. No patient in the closed head injury group showed significant improvement with amitriptyline. The closed head injury patients were treated with phenelzine after a 3- to 7-day washout period. No statistical improvement after 4 weeks of treatment with phenelzine was seen in any of these patients. The DST may be useful as an adjunct to the diagnostic and monitoring process in primary depression with melancholia. Depression after minor closed head injury did not correlate with the DST. Amitriptyline and phenelzine have limited use (if any) in depression with melancholia after minor closed head injury.