[Analysis of 94 dexamethasone tests in a population of patients manifesting depressive symptomatology within the framework of a manic-depressive psychosis or other psychotic state].

The authors report a study of 94 dexamethasone-suppression-tests conducted in a group of 29 patients with either a manic-depressive psychosis (n = 14) or a depressive symptomatology associated or not with a chronic psychotic disorder. 1 mg of dexamethasone was given orally at 11 p.m. and plasma cortisol levels were determined the following day at 4 p.m. The same day, a MADS was calculated. These tests were repeated every month for each patient independently of the clinical state. 9 patients received between 4 and 11 tests. A non suppression (cortisol plasma levels greater than or equal to 140 nmol/l) was observed in 27% of the tests. A comparable percentage was obtained in the whole group of patients and in the manic-depressive psychosis group. A good correlation appeared between plasma cortisol level at 4 p.m. and score for MADS. The study of the validity of the test shows a sensibility of 50% and a specificity of 85%. These results are similar with those presented in the literature.