Biological markers of affective disorders have not been studied
intensively in patients with secondary depression. An elderly woman with
severe delusional depression secondary to thyrotoxicosis was monitored with
weekly dexamethasone suppression tests (DSTs) and three sleep
electroencephalography (EEG) evaluations. She received treatment only for
her thyrotoxicosis, but her depression resolved completely. The serial DSTs
were normal throughout her depression, consistent with the specificity of
this test for primary endogenous depression. The sleep EEG erroneously
suggested a diagnosis of primary depression but effectively monitored
clinical improvement. Biological markers may have applicability in
evaluating and monitoring patients with secondary depression.Abstract Teaser