Two diagnostic correlates of dexamethasone nonsuppression in normal weight bulimia.

Abstract

Evaluations of neuroendocrine abnormalities and possible relationship to major affective disorder in normal weight bulimic women have utilized the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST). In our sample of 29 bulimic women, 59% showed DST nonsuppression (DSTNS). Two diagnostic correlates were significant in relation to DSTNS: prior history of anorexia nervosa and current clinical DSM III diagnosis of depression. Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) scores were also significantly higher in the DSTNS group. The findings suggest that more extensive psychiatric disorder and ingestive abnormalities may be present in this subgroup of normal weight bulimic women who exhibit DST nonsuppression.