The authors evaluated 18 dysphoric children aged 6--12 years by
structured clinical assessments and an overnight dexamethasone suppression
test (DST) administered on an outpatient basis. Nine children met
diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, and 8 of the 9 also met
the Research Diagnostic Criteria for endogenous depression. Of the 9
depressed children, 5 had abnormal DST results; 8 of the 9 nondepressed
children had normal test results. The results suggest that endogenous
depression in childhood is not a rare condition and that it is clinically
and neuroendocrinologically similar to the adult disorder. The DST may be
useful as a diagnostic aid with depressed children.Abstract Teaser