Results of the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in 30 alcoholic
patients tested on day 5 and again on day 25 after their last drink are
presented. Nineteen patients (63%) failed to suppress cortisol on day 5;
three (11%) failed to suppress cortisol on day 25. Depressive symptoms,
measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, were significantly correlated
with DST results; the lifetime diagnosis of depressive illness was not. The
authors conclude that the DST is not useful in detecting primary affective
disorders during the early phase of withdrawal from alcohol.Abstract Teaser