The Relationship Between DST Results and Suicidal Behavior

This study assessed the relationship between dexamethasone suppression test results & suicidal ideation/behaviors. 423 mood disorder patients who were admitted to a tertiary care centre were administered the test from 1978 to 1981. The patients were subsequently followed up to determine death status using a record-linkage method. Results indicate that an abnormal dexamethasone suppression test result is not useful as a predictor of suicidal behavior. (33 refs) (SC)