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Dexamethasone suppression test and TRH test in endogenous depression.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|April 1, 1983
Summary
The Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) shows higher diagnostic sensitivity and normalization rates in depression compared to the TRH test. DST results correlate with depression severity, unlike the TRH test.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatric diagnostics
Background:
- Endogenous depression diagnosis often relies on neuroendocrine markers.
- Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) and Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) stimulation test are commonly used.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic utility and clinical course of DST and TRH tests in endogenous depression.
- To investigate the relationship between these tests and depression severity.
Main Methods:
- DST and TRH tests were administered to 34 patients with endogenous depression.
- Patients were compared with 33 psychiatric controls and 24 healthy subjects.
- Test results were analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, and correlation with the Hamilton Rating Score.
Main Results:
- DST specificity was 91% and sensitivity was 65%; TRH test sensitivity was 24%. Combined sensitivity reached 76%.
- DST showed a significant correlation with the Hamilton Rating Score (r = 0.54, P < 0.01), unlike the TRH test.
- After recovery, DST normalized in 19 patients, while the TRH test remained unchanged in 5 of these cases.
Conclusions:
- DST appears to have higher diagnostic sensitivity and a better normalization rate post-recovery in endogenous depression.
- The DST's performance may be influenced by the severity of depressive symptoms.