Correlations between questionnaire scores and the absolute post-DST cortisol deviation among bipolar patients.

BAI, Beck Anxiety Inventory; BSA-S, Brief Scale for Anxiety – Self assessment; BDI, Beck Depression Inventory; DST, dexamethasone suppression test; GAF, Global Assessment of Functioning; MADRS-S, Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale – Self assessment; QOL, Quality of Life. We aimed to evaluate whether the magnitude of the deviation from an “ideal” post-DST cortisol value within the patient sample was positively correlated with more symptoms, lower global functioning and QOL (for a more detailed explanation see the results and discussion sections). To that effect, we chose the median post-DST cortisol value within the control group as an “ideal” value (308 nmol/l) and the absolute post-DST cortisol deviation from that value was calculated for each patient. Bivariate correlations were performed using Pearson correlation. aGlobal Functioning analyses, n = 142. bQuality of Life analyses, n = 144.