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. 1985 Jun 15;290(6484):1804-6.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.290.6484.1804.

Dexamethasone suppression test as a simple measure of stress?

G W Mellsop, J D Hutton, J W Delahunt

Dexamethasone suppression test as a simple measure of stress?

G W Mellsop et al. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). .

Abstract

Non-suppression of cortisol by dexamethasone has been described as a biological marker of a diagnostic subgroup of depressed patients. This paper presents the hypothesis that the degree of non-suppression is a variable that reflects the quantity of stress or distress experienced by the patient rather than relating to a specific diagnosis. Such a quantitative measure of stress would be valuable for research in general medicine as well as in psychiatry. Testing of this postulate should apply a more precise interpretation of endocrine principles than has been applied to the dexamethasone suppression test to date.

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