Reversal of dexamethasone suppression test nonsuppression in alcohol abusers

Of 75 detoxified alcohol-abusing inpatients given the dexamethasone suppression test (DST), 13 demonstrated nonsuppression and returned to normal suppression after 4 more weeks of abstinence. The authors question interpreting nonsuppression in alcohol abusers as indicating major depression without a significant period of abstinence.