Eighteen bereaved children and adolescents were assessed using the
dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and the Diagnostic Interview for
Children and Adolescents 4 weeks following parental death. Thirty-nine
percent had a positive (nonsuppressed) DST. DST-positive subjects reported
more DSM-III-R depressive symptoms (6.3 +/- 2.9 vs. 3.9 +/- 2.7, means +/-
SD) than DST-negative subjects. Most frequently reported symptoms included
dysphoria, loss of interest, sleep disturbance, appetite disturbance,
psychomotor disturbance, and morbid and suicidal ideation.
Post-dexamethasone cortisol levels were significantly correlated with the
total number of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.Abstract Teaser