Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Clinical Scales Research Articles

B - 75 The Relationship between BRIEF-A Composite Scores with Anxiety and Depression

Abstract Objective Recent studies have suggested the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) might be measuring emotional distress as opposed to objective executive functioning. The current study explored the relationship between emotional distress on the BRIEF-A - specifically anxiety and depression. Data Selection 90 participants (75.6% Caucasian, 10.0% Hispanic, 5.6% Asian, 2.2% African-American, 2.2% Middle Eastern, 4.4% Unspecified) assessed at a Midwest clinic were selected based on the presence of relevant scores from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and BRIEF-A. Data Synthesis Archival data were analyzed using regression analyses, with each predictor (MMPI-2 clinical scales 2 and 7) entered as predictors of BRIEF BRI and MI composite indices. The full model accounted for 31.5% (p < 0.001) of the variance in BRI. Scale 7 accounted for 30.1% (p < 0.001) of variability in the BRI. Scale 2 was not a significant predictor of BRI and only accounted for an additional 2% of the variability. With regard to MI, the full model accounted for 33.3% (p < 0.001) of the variability in MI. Scale 7 accounted for 27.0% (p < 0.01) of the variability in MI, and Scale 2 contributed an additional 6.3% (P.005) of predictive capacity. Conclusions The current analysis identified that emotional distress was a significant predictor of BRIEF-A MI and BRI composite scores, accounting for 31.5% and 33.3% of the variability, respectively. This suggests that these BRIEF-A composite scores are notably correlated with emotional distress. Within this, anxiety was a more potent predictor than depression.

Understanding MMPI-2 response structure between schizophrenia and healthy individuals.

BackgroundUsing Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) clinical scales to evaluate clinical symptoms in schizophrenia is a well-studied topic. Nonetheless, research focuses less on how these clinical scales interact with each other.AimsInvestigates the network structure and interaction of the MMPI-2 clinical scales between healthy individuals and patients with schizophrenia through the Bayesian network.MethodData was collected from Wuhan Psychiatric Hospital from March 2008 to May 2018. A total of 714 patients with schizophrenia and 714 healthy subjects were identified through propensity score matching according to the criteria of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Separated MMPI-2 clinical scales Bayesian networks were built for healthy subjects and patients with schizophrenia, respectively.ResultsThe Bayesian network showed that the lower 7 scale was a consequence of the correlation between the lower 2 scale and the greater 8 scale. A solely lower 7 scale does yield neither a lower 2 scale nor a higher 8 scale. The proposed method showed 72% of accuracy with 78% area under the ROC curve (AUC), similar to the previous studies.LimitationsThe proposed method simplified the continuous Bayesian network to predict binary outcomes, including other categorical data is not explored. Besides, the participants might only represent an endemic as they come from a single hospital.ConclusionThis study identified MMPI-2 clinical scales correlation and built separated Bayesian networks to investigate the difference between patients with schizophrenia and healthy people. These differences may contribute to a better understanding of the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia and provide medical professionals with new perspectives for diagnosis.

Hypnotizability and psychopathology of patients with personality disorders

ABSTRACT Assessment of hypnotizability is useful in research and predicting the effects of hypnosis in clinical practice. There are few contemporary scientific reports examining the relationship between hypnotizability and psychopathological personality dimensions. The current study explores the connections between abnormal personality in psychiatric patients and the hypnotizability level. Fifty-five patients with anxiety and personality disorders who previously completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) were invited to undergo the Elkins Hypnotizability Scale – Clinical Form (EHS-CF). The hypnotizability scores comprise a normal distribution but shifted toward low scores. Twenty-seven patients were included in the low hypnotizability (LOW) group, and 28 patients in the medium to high (MID-HIGH) group. The number of participants with high scores on the Psychopathic Deviate and Paranoia MMPI-2 clinical scales was significantly higher in the LOW than in the MID-HIGH group. Patterns of associations between hypnotizability and psychopathology differed in the two groups. The results indicate that moderate hypnotizability should be considered a normal trait that has no meaningful relationship with psychopathology, but certain dysfunctional symptoms of personality disorders may entail resistance and a defensive attitude toward the hypnotherapy, resulting in a tendency to obtain lower hypnotizability.

Self-Perceived Stress Is Associated With Chest Pain and Personality in Patients With Refractory Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Stressful events are frequently associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). This study aims to determine if the severity of self-perceived stress is associated with specific FGID and personality characteristics in 822 patients with FGID who have filled a Rome III questionnaire, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2), and a 10-point Likert scale for self-perceived stress. According to stress severity, the patients were divided into three groups: low (<4; n = 183), moderate (4-6; n = 283), and severe stress (>6; n = 356). Female sex was more frequent in the severe stress group than in the low stress group (p = 0.001). Stress severity was strongly correlated with the two MMPI-2 posttraumatic stress scales. Clinically, chest pain was more frequently reported by severe stress patients than moderate stress patients. MMPI-2 clinical scales vary significantly according to the severity of stress, and "mild stress" patients have increased hysteria and depression scales and showed a higher frequency of irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea. This study shows that severe stress severity is associated with a higher frequency of noncardiac chest pain and correlated with most personality items.

Use of the MMPI-2 personality profile in predicting 30-day ED-visits and readmissions following primary bariatric surgery

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is used for psychological screening of bariatric surgery (BS) candidates. To date, no studies have analyzed the relationship between MMPI-2 and early returns to hospital. The aim of this study was to determine whether high T scores on the MMPI-2 clinical scales were associated with early return to hospital after primary bariatric surgery. Patients who completed an MMPI-2 evaluation, undergoing primary BS from 2014 to 2016 were evaluated. T score for the tested scales were collected and stratified into a high T score (T>65) vs not (T<65). The optimal 'cut-point' (specific number of high T scores predicting likelihood for 30-day ED-visit/hospital readmission) was calculated using Youden's Index (J)=Max(c) [sensitivity (c)+specificity (c)-1], where c=number of scales with a T score>65. Patients were stratified based on the optimal cut-point which was determined to be≥4 high T scores. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify differences between groups and predictors for early ED-visits and hospital readmissions. 375 patients had psychological evaluations available for review. Patients were divided into those with≥4 high T scores (Scr(≥4); n=86) versus not (Scr (<4); n=289). Multivariate analysis showed Scr(≥ 4) (aOR 2.99, CI 1.20-7.47; p=0.019), bipolar disorder (aOR 4.82, CI 1.25-18.83; p=0.022), and urgent hospital complications (aOR6.81, CI 2.02-22.91; p=0.002), were significant independent predictors of 30-day readmissions. Early ED-visits were significantly predicted by public insurance (aOR 3.30, CI 1.22-8.91; p=0.019), but the effect of the Scr(≥4) profile (aOR 2.42, CI 0.97-6.09; p=0.06), while influential, did not reach significance. Differences in personality traits may be associated increased 30-day readmissions following primary bariatric surgery. Our study represents a novel application of the MMPI-2.

Impact of Endoscopists' Personality Traits on Adenoma and Polyp Detection Rates in Colonoscopy: A KASID Multicenter Study.

The personality traits of endoscopists have been suggested to affect the adenoma detection rate (ADR). We thus evaluated the relationship between endoscopists' personality traits and the ADR during colonoscopy using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). In total, 1230 patients (asymptomatic and aged 50-80years) who underwent screening or surveillance (≥ 5years) colonoscopy were recruited from 13 university hospitals by 20 endoscopists between September 2015 and December 2017. We retrospectively measured the ADR, polyp detection rate (PDR), and number of adenomas per colonoscopy (APC). All 20 endoscopists completed all 567 true/false MMPI-2 items. The overall mean colonoscopy withdrawal time, PDR, ADR, and APC were 7.3 ± 2.8min, 55%, 45.3%, and 0.97 ± 1.58, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the MMPI-2 clinical scales (e.g., hypochondriasis and psychasthenia), content scales (e.g., obsessiveness and type A character), or supplementary scales (e.g., dominance and social responsibility) between the high ADR group (ADR ≥45%, n = 10) and the low ADR group (ADR < 45%, n = 10). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the ADR was associated significantly with patient age and sex. The ADR was related significantly to endoscopists' colonoscopy experience and the per-minute increase in the colonoscopy withdrawal time (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06-1.38, p = 0.005). In a logistic regression analysis adjusted for patient factors, the ADR was associated significantly with ego strength (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.09, p = 0.044), as measured by the MMPI-2. With the exception of ego strength, the endoscopists' personality traits were not associated with adenoma or polyp detection.

Personality profile and health-related quality of life in adults with previous continuous spike-waves during slow sleep syndrome

IntroductionEpilepsy with continuous spike-waves during slow sleep syndrome (CSWSS) is characterized by various seizure types, a characteristic EEG pattern and neuropsychological disorders. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of CSWSS occurred in childhood and to evaluate the variables that could influence the quality of social adaptation and the personality profile. Material and methodsThis is a prospective study on 24 young adults with previous CSWSS (median age 24.5 yrs) who were enrolled between January and July 2011 at the G. Gaslini Children’s Hospital, Genoa, Italy. Patients were divided into two groups: twelve with previous spike-wave index (SWI > 85%) defined as typical CSWSS (T-CSWSS) and twelve with previous SWI = 50–85% defined as atypical CSWSS (A-CSWSS). All the subjects were submitted to Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), and to a structured interview. ResultsA correlation was observed with the severity of EEG abnormalities expressed by the SWI and outcome. The T-CSWSS group showed a significantly lower perceived well-being. Similarly in the T-CSWSS group the percentage of MMPI-2 clinical scales with T-scores ≥65 was higher than in the A-CSWSS group. Finally, a significant lower schooling in the T-CSWSS group was observed. ConclusionThere seem to be two forms of the same disease, with similar onset and clinical evolution but a different outcome regarding the social and psychological conditions. The outcome of the social adaptation and of the personality consciousness was related with the severity of the EEG abnormalities: more favorable in patients with less intense SWI activity (A-CSWSS) compared those with a more severe EEG impairment (T-CSWSS).

Personality traits are potentially associated with the presence of chronic temporomandibular joint pain in patients without effusion as determined by T-2 weighted magnetic resonance

Objective: The study aimed at investigating personality traits in chronic temporomandibular joints (TMJ) pain patients with and without joint effusion.Methods: Two groups of chronic TMJ pain patients were recruited. The TMJ pain control group was composed of patients showing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of TMJ effusion, while the TMJ pain test group included patients with chronic TMJ pain seemingly not justified, due to the absence of MRI-detected disorders. A third set of pain free individuals was selected as a comparison group. All patients completed a personality assessment with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) instrument, and the between-group differences were assessed for significance by performing an analysis of variance test.Results: Patients of the TMJ pain test group had higher scores than subjects belonging to the TMJ pain and pain-free control groups in almost all of the MMPI-2 clinical scales. A significant difference was shown for the scales related to concerns about physical health (Scale 1-Hs; F = 7.74; p = .001) and physical symptoms (Scale 3-Hy; F = 8.43; p = .001).Conclusions: Chronic TMJ pain patients without MRI-detected TMJ effusion have a different personality profile than patients with TMJ effusion and pain-free individuals, regarding high levels of concerns about physical health and physical symptoms.Clinical implications: This study has important clinical implications for temporomandibular disorders practitioners, providing suggestions that symptoms in the TMJ area are not only related to a physical disorder. The possible existence of a psychologically modulated condition in patients who refer pain in the TMJ area without signs of effusion should be carefully taken into consideration.

Comparative prediction of nonepileptic events using MMPI-2 clinical scales, Harris Lingoes subscales, and restructured clinical scales.

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is a psychological testing tool used to measure psychological and personality constructs. The MMPI-2 has proven helpful in identifying individuals with nonepileptic events/nonepileptic seizures. However, the MMPI-2 has had some updates that enhanced its original scales. The aim of this article was to test the utility of updated MMPI-2 scales in predicting the likelihood of non-epileptic seizures in individuals admitted to an EEG video monitoring unit. We compared sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios of traditional MMPI-2 Clinical Scales against more homogenous MMPI-2 Harris-Lingoes subscales and the newer Restructured Clinical (RC) scales. Our results showed that the Restructured Scales did not show significant improvement over the original Clinical scales. However, one Harris-Lingoes subscale (HL4 of Clinical Scale 3) did show improved predictive utility over the original Clinical scales as well as over the newer Restructured Clinical scales. Our study suggests that the predictive utility of the MMPI-2 can be improved using already existing scales. This is particularly useful for those practitioners who are not invested in switching over to the newly developed MMPI-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2 RF).

A more in-depth interpretation of MMPI-2 in MS patients by using Harris and Lingoes subscales

ABSTRACTMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is frequently associated with neuropsychiatric abnormalities. The aim of our study was to discriminate between psychosomatic disturbances and MS physically-related symptoms using the Harris-Lingoes subscales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Forty-six MS out-patients (35 females; mean age = 44.5); and 82 healthy volunteers (62 females; mean age = 46.5) were evaluated with MMPI-2 questionnaire. The frequency distribution of MMPI-2 clinical scales with high scores (> = 65) and the related Harris-Lingoes subscales were analyzed for both MS patients and healthy control subjects. Data analysis showed elevated scores in 47.8% of the patients mainly on MMPI-2 clinical scales 1, 2, and 3. The Harris-Lingoes subscales analysis allowed us to isolate and identify physical symptoms contributing to elevation of MMPI-2 clinical scales, reduce the occurrence of false positives (MMPI-2 clinical scales elevations mainly due to MS physical disability) and provide a more detailed description of psycho-emotional symptoms of MS patients. In conclusion, our study shows the utility of Harris-Lingoes subscales analysis when MMPI-2 is used for psychological assessment of MS patients.

Psychopathologie et répercussions de la douleur chronique : conséquences pour la pratique clinique et recommandations thérapeutiques

ObjectivesThe first aim of this paper was to analyze the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-2 profiles of chronic pain patients using a hierarchical cluster method, in order to find subgroups of patients with differing psychopathological profiles and then to assess variations in the intensity and repercussions of pain among the subgroups. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a measurement technique commonly used in the assessment of intensity and repercussions of pain in chronic pain patients. The second aim was to examine the relationship between VAS measures of repercussions and scale scores on the MMPI-2. The final goal was to give recommendations to improve therapeutic decision-making for each patient. The best-known classification, the P.A.I.N. cluster typology, is based on the first version of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Keller and Butcher reviewed the data on patients with chronic pain obtained from the first version of the MMPI. In the same publication, they used a hierarchical cluster analysis, basing their process of agglomeration on the MMPI clinical scales of the second version (MMPI-2) to classify the patients into different groups whose members shared characteristics on the MMPI clinical scales. In Table 1, we have summarized and classified cluster labels used in the literature with the MMPI-2 since Keller and Butcher's MMPI-2 work. Patients and methodsPatients (148) went into hospital for a one-day assessment. The assessment included the validated French version of the MMPI-2 and Visual Analogue Scale for pain intensity and repercussions. The local ethics committee approved this study, conducted in agreement with the declaration of Helsinki. We used a hierarchical cluster method to establish subgroups of patients with different psychopathological profiles and evaluated variations between the subgroups on measures of intensity and repercussions of pain. ResultsFigs. 1 to 2 show scale profiles for three- and four-cluster hierarchical analyses. A three-cluster solution best fitted the data (Fig. 1 and Table 2). The three clusters, which were of approximately equal size, were: (1) “Within Normal Limits”; (2) “Conversion-V”; and (3) “General Elevation”. We found significant differences between the “General Elevation” and “Within Normal Limits” clusters on the VAS measures of activity, sadness and depression. The only significant difference between the “Within Normal Limits” and “Conversion-V” clusters was on the activity scale. Patients in the “General Elevation” cluster were in the most urgent need of psychiatric help – it could be called a high distress, high disturbance cluster as Baker has described it. The four-cluster analysis of the MMPI-2 clinical scales (Fig. 2 and Table 2) gave four patterns showing the same “Conversion-V” and “Within Normal Limits”, but the “General Elevation” divided into a “Hypochondriac Depressive” cluster with 2-D scale elevated but with 1-Hs at the same level as the depressive scale, and the rest of “General Elevation” cluster could be split in a five-cluster solution into two very small subgroups, a “Psychotic V” cluster with a true V-shaped psychotic pattern with scores above those of the V-shaped neurotic triad scales, and a “Depressive General Elevation” cluster where the 2-D scale was the highest score in the profile but with all other scales also elevated except 9-Ma ConclusionsThese results showed that, firstly, different profiles of psychopathology were found even though there were no significant differences between the clusters in the level of pain intensity and pain duration; secondly, patients reporting more repercussions on the VAS measures showed profiles with more psychopathology. They were the patients most in need of psychological treatment. Finally, these results and the recommendations given could improve the therapeutic decision for each patient's subgroup.

The Effect of Client Ethnicity on Clinical Interpretation of the MMPI-2

Client ethnicity has been shown to affect clinicians' diagnostic impressions. However, it is not known whether interpretation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) clinical scales is affected by ethnic bias. In this study, clinicians (82 males, 60 females) provided severity ratings for six symptoms based on three MMPI-2 profiles (representing the 27/72, 49/94, and 68/86 code-types) with the ethnicity of the client randomly assigned as either African American or Caucasian. To determine whether symptom severity ratings based on MMPI-2 profiles were affected by ethnicity, a 3 (code-type) × 2 (ethnicity) MANOVA was performed. Neither the main effect for ethnicity nor the ethnicity × code-type interaction was significant. These results indicated that the symptom severity ratings based on the MMPI-2 clinical scales were not affected by the client's identification as African American or Caucasian. Future studies are needed to explore the interpretation of profiles from clients representing other ethnic groups and for female clients.

Comparison of Personality Characteristics in Parkinson Disease Patients With and Without Impulse Control Disorders and in Healthy Volunteers

We aimed to assess personality characteristics in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) with and without impulse control disorders (ICD). We tested patients and controls with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scales that have expected high sensitivity to apparent addictive behavior. We recorded mean disease duration and mean levodopa dose in the PD groups. Of the 46 PD patients, 13 had ICD: hypersexuality, binge eating, or dopamine dysregulation. The PD patients with ICD had a longer duration of disease (11 vs. 5 y) and were taking higher doses of levodopa (900 vs. 500 mg/d). They scored above the pathologic threshold in 4 domains of the MMPI-2 Clinical Scales and in 8 Clinical Subscales and Content Scales. The most significant abnormality was Alienation-Self and Others. ICDs in the general population have similarities to disorders of substance addiction. In PD patients, some personality profiles could play a role in development of ICDs or dopamine dysregulation syndrome. The MMPI-2 may be a useful test for PD patients in general, and for detecting ICD in particular.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms in Adults with Psychiatric Disorders.

This study explores unrecognised symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals with a range of psychiatric disorders in the absence of traumatic events. We also examine the association between PTSD symptoms, social interaction with peers and therapeutic alliance with mental health professionals. A purposive sample of 120 adults consecutively referred to the psychology department from September 2008 to September 2010 was included in this study. We used the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2) to ascertain the presence of PTSD symptoms, social interaction levels and treatment alliance with health professionals. Individuals previously undiagnosed with PTSD, referred without any noted traumatic event had high levels of symptoms related to PTSD, as measured by the PK scale of the MMPI-2. The PK scale was significantly correlated with several MMPI-2 clinical scales, the Social Introversion Scale (Si) and the Treatment Alliance Scale (TRT) (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated the presence of symptoms related to PTSD in individuals with a range of psychiatric disorders despite the absence of reported trauma. The presence of symptoms related to PTSD may be associated with an indirect negative impact on social contacts and a poorer therapeutic alliance with mental health professionals. Investigating symptoms of PTSD during a psychological assessment even when trauma is not the presenting complaint is merited in most cases.

Comparability of the MMPI-2 and PAI in third party reproduction psychological evaluation

To investigate the comparability of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and Personality Assessment Inventory's (PAI) validity, clinical, and personality subscales in a sample of gestational carrier (GC) applicants. Retrospective review of GC applicant psychological testing from 2009-2011. De-identified MMPI-2 and PAI subscale scores from N = 16 GC applicants. All mean scale scores on the clinical, validity, and personality scales of the measures were within normal limits. Further, no clinical scale scores were elevated above T = 64 on the Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales of the MMPI-2 or the PAI. Elevations above T = 64 on MMPI-2 Clinical Scales 1 (Hs), 3 (Hy) and 9 (Ma) were found. Scores on two matching PAI (i.e., PIM, T = 62.25; and DEF, T = 64.06) and MMPI-2 (i.e., L, T = 60.93; and K, T = 63.38) validity scales were more than one standard deviation above the mean. Large correlations were found between PIM and L (r = .65) and multiple other PAI and MMPI-2 clinical and personality scales (e.g., PAI-SOM and RC1, r = .70; PAI-MAN and Clinical Scale 9, r = .62). There was no statistical difference between the number of PAI and MMPI-2 profiles with elevated validity scale scores. Finally, of the applicants who were not accepted into the GC program for psychological reasons, all profiles had validity and/or clinical scale score elevations on both measures. The MMPI-2 and PAI are two measures often utilized independently to assess response style and psychological symptomatology in GC applicants. A comparison of the measures did not find the expected relationships among all matching scales of the PAI and MMPI-2. However, the measures appear to consistently identify invalid responding. Use of both measures could provide greater understanding of applicant response style and symptomatology; however, the increased cost and time commitment may be prohibitive. The results of this study suggest that use of either measure alone is acceptable.

P03-29 - Parkinson's disease and predictors of impulse control disorders in MMPI-2

This was a case control study involving 46 patients suffering from Parkinson disease (PD); 13 with impulse control disorder (ICD) and 33 without ICD; and 56 controls. The personality traits in these groups were analyzed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). 46 patients with PD and 56 control group subjects were included into study. ICD were identified in 13 patients from PD group. There were higher scores than pathological threshold (65) in four domains of MMPI-2 Clinical scales: D (Depression), Pt (Psychastenia), Sc (Schizophrenia) and SI (Social introversion) in PD patients with ICD; but there were not statistical difference in any of these scales in comparison with the group of PD patients without ICD. In the case of MMPI-2 Subscales and Content scales there were higher scores than pathological threshold in eight domains of MMPI-2: SOD (Social Discomfort), PD4 (Psychopatic deviate - social alienation), PA1 (Paranoia - persecutory ideas), SC1 (Schizophrenia), PA_O (Paranoia - subtle), MA_O (Hypomania - obvious), SI1 (Syness/Self-Consciousness), SI3 (Alienation self and others) and Ho (Hostility), but there were statistical differences only in one of these domains in comparison with the PD patients without ICD: SI3 (alienation self and others). There was earlier onset of the disease and higher dose of levodopa in PD patients with ICD than in PD patients without ICD.Supported by project IGA MZ ČR NS 10301-3/2009

Globus Sensation and Psychopathology in Men: The Vietnam Experience Study

To assess whether globus is associated with psychopathology in men. Globus-a persistent sensation of having a lump in the throat with no detectable physical cause-has long been thought a predominantly female disorder. Several small studies, based wholly or largely on women, suggested that globus is associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and somatic concern. Participants were 4240 male U.S. veterans who underwent detailed medical and psychological examinations in middle age. Psychological health was assessed by structured diagnostic interview and the clinical scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The MMPI includes an item on the presence of globus. The prevalence of globus was 6.4%. Men with globus had an increased risk of being diagnosed with somatization disorder, odds ratio (OR) = 5.92, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 3.22, 10.9l; major depression, OR = 4.98, 95% CI = 3.63, 6.67; generalized anxiety disorder, OR = 3.70, 95% CI = 2.75, 4.90; posttraumatic stress disorder, OR = 3.50, 95% CI = 2.54, 4.76; and drug abuse or dependence, OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.15, 3.13; and they scored significantly higher on nine of the ten MMPI clinical scales. Globus was also associated with lower cognitive ability, socioeconomic and educational disadvantage, a higher pulse rate, and increased likelihood of being on antihypertensive medication. Globus is linked with a wide range of psychopathology in men, notably depression and somatization disorder. Men presenting with globus might have developed that particular symptom to "represent" other, related and treatable psychopathology, which should also be investigated.

The MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical Scales in the assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbid disorders.

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) Restructured Clinical Scales (RCSs) in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) receiving clinical services at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. Study 1 included 1,098 men who completed the MMPI-2 and were assessed for a range of psychological disorders via structured clinical interview. Study 2 included 136 women who completed the MMPI-2 and were interviewed with the Clinician Administered Scale for PTSD. The utility of the RCSs was compared with that of the Clinical Scales (CSs) and the Keane PTSD (PK) scale. The RCSs demonstrated good psychometric properties and patterns of associations with other measures of psychopathology that corresponded to current theory regarding the structure of comorbidity. A notable advantage of the RCSs compared with the MMPI-2 CSs was their enhanced construct validity and clinical utility in the assessment of comorbid internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. The PK scale demonstrated incremental validity in the prediction of PTSD beyond that of the RCSs or CSs.

Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory 2 (MMPI-2) scores of recruited oocyte donors based on donation outcome

Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory 2 (MMPI-2) scores of recruited oocyte donors based on donation outcome

Relationship between semiology of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profile

Subtypes of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) have emerged via classification of seizure semiology, psychological variables, or both. PNES subtypes that differ with respect to etiology may be amenable to targeted treatment strategies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between semiology type and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) profile among patients with PNES. We did so by modifying a classification scheme proposed by Selwa et al. Our main hypothesis was that there would be significant associations of semiology-based subtypes with psychological profiles among patients with PNES. We found significant differences in mean scores on MMPI-2 clinical scales 1 (Hypochondriasis) and 3 (Hysteria) and Harris–Lingoes subscales D5 (Brooding) and Sc5 (Lack of Ego Mastery, Defective Inhibition) across PNES subtypes (catatonic, minor motor, major motor). The results of the present study enhance understanding of the nosology of PNES by identifying psychopathological correlates of semiology-based subtypes of PNES. Our study also may inform the methodology of future investigations of psychopathology among patients with PNES by providing support for content-based interpretation of the MMPI.