Age and gender effects on the diagnostic power of the DST

Aging; Dexamethasone suppression test; Gender; Major depression; Minor depression; Adult; Age Factors; Depressive Disorder; Dexamethasone; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Male; Middle Aged; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Sex Factors

Abstract :

[en] Among 365 major and 158 minor depressive impatients, the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) yielded an overall diagnostic sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 85%, and a confidence level of 88%. Age was significantly correlated with the post-dexamethasone cortisol levels in the whole sample (r = 0.11; P < 0.01); however, this low relationship disappeared when all subgroups defined by gender or diagnostic were considered. Gender did not appear to influence DST results; however, among the patients between 30 and 39 years, the diagnostic performance of the DST was significantly lower among female as compared to male patients, suggesting possible interferences with endocrine variables. © 1987.

Disciplines :

Neurosciences & behavior

Author, co-author :

ANSSEAU, Marc ; Université de Liège - ULg

Depauw, Y.; Hôpital Vincent Van Gogh, Charleroi, Belgium

Charles, G.; Hôpital Vincent Van Gogh, Charleroi, Belgium

Castro, P.; Hôpital Fond Roy, Brussels, Belgium

D'Haenen, H.; VUB Hospital, University of Brussels, Belgium

De Vigne, J.-P.; Hôpital Brugmann, University of Brussels, Belgium

Hubain, P.; Hôpital Erasme, University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium

Legros, Jean-Jacques ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Département des sciences cliniques

Pelc, I.; Hôpital Brugmann, University of Brussels, Belgium

Toscano, A.; Hôpital Fond Roy, Brussels, Belgium

Wilmotte, J.; Hôpital Vincent Van Gogh, Charleroi, Belgium

Mendlewicz, J.; Hôpital Erasme, University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium

Language :

English

Title :

Age and gender effects on the diagnostic power of the DST

Publication date :

1987

Journal title :

Journal of Affective Disorders

ISSN :

0165-0327

eISSN :

1573-2517

Publisher :

Elsevier, Netherlands

Volume :

Issue :

Pages :

185-191

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Available on ORBi :

since 08 June 2021

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