The authors analyzed the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) results of
54 patients with major depressive disorder in relation to their pre- DST
levels of cholesterol, sodium, potassium, and blood glucose, which are
thought to have adrenocorticotrophic links. Discriminant analysis revealed
that sodium alone was a significant predictor of nonsuppression. Validation
of the predictive power of sodium could minimize the need for DST
administration.Abstract Teaser