In two studies using the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) to
evaluate the efficacy of newer antidepressants in depressed outpatients,
the authors found a DST nonsuppression rate of 13% (11 of 86 patients).
Thirty-three of the DST suppressors received an antidepressant and 42
received placebo; the drug-treated group showed a significant therapeutic
response. The low rate of DST nonsuppression in these depressed
outpatients, a finding consistent with that of other investigators, does
not confirm or refute reports that these patients are relatively resistant
to placebo in comparison with active medication. The authors recommend that
DST results not be used as selection criteria in studies assessing newer
therapies for depressed outpatients.Abstract Teaser