Association between low plasma levels of dexamethasone and elevated levels of cortisol in psychiatric patients given dexamethasone

Abstract

In psychiatric inpatients, positive results on 40 dexamethasone suppression tests (elevated cortisol levels) were strongly associated with low plasma levels of dexamethasone. Bioavailability or pharmacokinetic factors may contribute importantly to the outcome of the dexamethasone suppression test.