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  Vol. 38 No. 1, January 1981 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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A Specific Laboratory Test for the Diagnosis of Melancholia

Standardization, Validation, and Clinical Utility

Bernard J. Carroll, MB, PhD; Michael Feinberg, MD, PhD; John F. Greden, MD; Janet Tarika, MA; A. Ariav Albala, MD; Roger F. Haskett, MB; Norman McI. James, MD; Ziad Kronfol, MD; Naomi Lohr, PhD; Meir Steiner, MD, PhD; Jean Paul de Vigne, MD; Elizabeth Young, MD

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1981;38(1):15-22.


Abstract

• Four hundred thirty-eight subjects underwent an overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) to standardize the test for the diagnosis of melancholia (endogenous depression). Abnormal plasma cortisol concentrations within 24 hours after dexamethasone administration occurred almost exclusively in melancholic patients. The best plasma cortisol criterion concentration, above which a DST result may be considered abnormal, was 5 ug/dL. The optimal dose of dexamethasone was 1 rather than 2 mg. Two blood samples obtained at 4 and 11 PM after dexamethasone administration detected 98% of the abnormal test results. This version of the DST identified melancholic patients with a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 96%. Baseline nocturnal plasma cortisol concentrations were not useful. Abnormal DST results were found with similar frequency among outpatients and inpatients with melancholia; but they were not related to age, sex, recent use of psychotropic drugs, or severity of depressive symptoms. Extensive evidence validates this practical test for the diagnosis of melancholia.



Author Affiliations

From the Clinical Studies Unit and Mental Health Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.


Footnotes

Accepted for publication Oct 3, 1980.

Reprint requests to Mental Health Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (Dr Carroll).



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