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Age and gender effects on the diagnostic power of the DST

par Ansseau, Mélanie ;Legros, Jean-Jacques;Depauw, Yves;Charles, Gérard ;Wilmotte, Jean ;Castro, Peter;Toscano, Aguilar;D'Haenen, Hugo;De Vigne, Jean-Paul ;Pelc, Isidore ;Hubain, Philippe ;Mendlewicz, Julien
Référence Journal of affective disorders, 12, 3, page (185-191)
Publication Publié, 1987

Article révisé par les pairs

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Résumé :

Among 365 major and 158 minor depressive impatients, the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) yielded an overall diagnostic sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 85%, and a confidence level of 88%. Age was significantly correlated with the post-dexamethasone cortisol levels in the whole sample (r = 0.11; P < 0.01); however, this low relationship disappeared when all subgroups defined by gender or diagnostic were considered. Gender did not appear to influence DST results; however, among the patients between 30 and 39 years, the diagnostic performance of the DST was significantly lower among female as compared to male patients, suggesting possible interferences with endocrine variables. © 1987.