Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Profiles Research Articles

Can Pre-Transplant Psychometric Testing Predict Tacrolimus Intrapatient Variability After Living Kidney Transplantation?

Tacrolimus intrapatient variability (Tac IPV) has been considered a marker for post-graft risk. We investigated pre-transplant psychometric testing to predict Tac IPV after living kidney transplantation. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) examined during pre-transplant evaluation by 102 recipients were analyzed. Subjects were divided into two groups, low IPV (L-IPV) and high IPV (H-IPV), by cutoffs of Tac IPV: median of 24 and value of 30. T-scores of MMPI-2 scales were used to analyze difference between L-IPV and H-IPV using independent t-tests. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to test whether MMPI-2 scales affected Tac IPV. Confusion matrix of logistic regression was used to explain statistical power. Cutoff values of significant scales for H-IPV were analyzed by constructing receiver operating characteristic curves. Hysteria (Hy) and depression (D) scale scores and Tac IPV were associated in IPV 24 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, p<0.01 for Hy; OR: 0.93, p<0.01 for D) and IPV 30 models (OR: 1.09, p<0.01 for Hy; OR: 0.92, p<0.01 for D). Paranoia (Pa) scale scores were associated with Tac IPV in IPV 24 model (OR=1.10, p<0.01) and were significantly higher in H-IPV 24 (p<0.01). F1 scores of confusion matrix in IPV 24 and 30 models were 0.70 and 0.71, respectively. Cutoffs of Hy, D, and Pa scales were 51, 57, and 47, respectively. MMPI-2 profile is suggested as a predictor for high Tac IPV after living kidney transplantation.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ СТРУКТУРЫ ПАРНЫХ КОРРЕЛЯЦИЙ МЕЖДУ ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКИМИ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЯМИ В РАЗНОВЕЛИКИХ ВЫБОРКАХ

Purpose: To propose a procedure for comparative analysis of correlation relationships structure between psychological scales in samples of different sizes.&#x0D; Material and methods: A procedure of comparative analysis of correlation relationships structure between psychological indicators in groups of different sizes based on the «zet» method of R. Fisher is proposed. To illustrate the method, data from psychodiagnostic surveys of the nuclear power plant (NPP) personnel who worked in normal conditions and the personnel of the Chernobyl NPP at four different stages of aftermath activities in 1986–1987 were used. All the subjects performed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI); the results of each of the groups were subjected to a correlation analysis using the Pearson method. The analysis took into account average (0.5 ≤ r &lt; 0.7) and strong (r ≥ 0.7) correlations.&#x0D; Results: Using the example of a number of psychodiagnostic examinations of the Chernobyl NPP personnel at various stages of aftermath activities, it is shown that the structure of correlation relationships between the MMPI scales can reflect the peculiarities of mental adaptation of professional teams working in regular and extreme conditions.&#x0D; It was shown that in the aftermath process by March–April 1987, the number of medium and strong pairwise Pearson correlations between the clinical MMPI scales increased. This fact apparently indicates that during this period, the NPP personnel were characterized by the simultaneous activation of various mechanisms of intrapsychic adaptation. The core of the correlation pleiad consisted of scales 1, 2, 7, and 8. Such a multidirectional reaction to the aftermath stressors was accompanied by a statistically significant increase in almost all clinical scales (except scale 6) of the average MMPI profile in comparison with the control group. The absence of stable correlations of clinical scales with the F scale indicates that the marked increase in the MMPI profile was not associated with a tendency to aggravation.&#x0D; By the period of November–December 1987, the hypochondria scale occupied a leading place in the correlation pleiad of the MMPI indicators of the Chernobyl NPP personnel, the number of its significant connections with other clinical scales (2, 3, 7 and 8) reached four. Apparently, the mechanism of anxiety somatization at that time could be considered as a syndrome-forming factor and taken into account when planning rehabilitation and health measures.&#x0D; Conclusion: The use of the proposed method of the strength standardization of pairwise correlation relationships between the MMPI scales allowed us to legitimately compare these indicators in groups that differ significantly in number. The chosen representation form of correlations facilitates the analysis of their structure.

A Comparison of MMPI-2 Profiles Between Parental Alienation Cases and Custody Cases

The present study aimed at understanding the personality features of mothers and fathers engaged in parental alienation—a family dynamic in which one parent behaves in a way that foments a child’s unfounded emotional rejection of the other parent. The process is considered a complex form of child psychological maltreatment, with significant negative consequences. In cases of conflictual separation and divorce, parental alienation can be difficult—yet important—to identify. In this context, use of psychological assessment to understand parents’ personality characteristics may facilitate the early identification of parental alienation and related abuses. A comparative analysis of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 profiles of 41 couples engaged in parental alienation and 39 control couples (i.e., not involved in parental alienation) was used to assess the personality characteristics of mothers and fathers engaged in parental alienation. The results indicated that mothers who were classified as alienating presented a faking-good defensive profile, denied hostile and negative impulses, blamed others for their problems, and displayed excessive sensitivity. On the other side, fathers who were classified as targets of alienating behaviors were adapted to chronic depressive states, social isolation, and interpersonal conflict. The results suggest that the personality profile of parents involved in parental alienation may provide useful insight for custodial cases, prevent further abuse, and contribute to improving psychological and rehabilitative programs. Clinical and forensic implications are discussed.

Psychological Characteristics in Patients with Chronic Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Comparisons with Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Other Types of Chronic Pain.

ObjectiveThis study investigated psychological characteristics of patients with chronic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and examined relationships between psychosocial factors and pain severity.MethodsIn total, 76 patients with CRPS, 95 patients with other types of chronic pain, 171 healthy controls, and 66 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) were included. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) profiles and scores on the Beck Depression Inventory and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory were calculated. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsPatients with CRPS scored higher on the Hypochondriasis (Hs), Depression (D), Hysteria (Hy), Paranoia (Pa), and Psychasthenia (Pt) scales of the MMPI-2 compared to healthy controls. The CRPS group scored lower on the D, Psychopathic deviate (Pd), Pa, Pt, Schizophrenia (Sc), and Social introversion (Si) scales compared to the MDD group. Although CRPS patients reported higher levels of pain than patients with other types of pain, the MMPI profiles of the two pain groups did not differ significantly. Linear regression analyses revealed that pain severity was significantly associated with depression and scores on the Masculinity–Femininity (Mf) scale.ConclusionThis is the first comparative study of the psychological characteristics of chronic CRPS patients, healthy controls, and patients with MDD. The neurotic profiles of CRPS patients were more psychologically adaptable than were those of patients with MDD; however, this profile was shared by both pain groups. The present findings further showed that, although pain severity was not a major contributor to depression, patients with CRPS should be evaluated for depressive symptoms.

Experiments with Fuzzification of MMPI Profiles for the Classification Task

Abstract The paper is devoted to experiments with fuzzification of MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) profiles for the classification task. MMPI is a standardized psychometric test of adult personality and psychopathology. In our study, we have used a classifier built on the basis of fuzzy decision trees generated by means of the algorithm that uses cumulative information estimations of the initial data proposed by V. Levashenko et al. The main attention is focused on testing a variety of approaches to fuzzification of the MMPI scales that make up the profiles. Both several shapes of membership functions and different ways of divisions of scale ranges are considered.

Different Clinical Expression of Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Assessment and Treatment.

Different Clinical Expression of Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Assessment and Treatment.

Paranoia in patients with gender dysphoria: A clinical exploration

Background:Gender identity disorder (GID) is a distressing disorder characterized by a persistent unhappiness with one's own gender and a desire to be of the opposite gender as well as seeking sex reassignment surgery for the same. The aim of the study was to assess the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profiles in patients with GID and compare with healthy normal population and also examine differences in the profiles based on original gender of the patients.Materials and Methods:A total of 56 patients with GID that fulfilled the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 criteria for the same were participants of the study, and there were 54 control participants. They were administered the MMPI, and the scores across various scales were statistically analyzed.Results:It was seen that apart from masculinity feminity (Mf) scale, other scales such as Paranoia (Pa, P < 0.01), Schizophrenia (Sc, P = 0.01), and Psychopathic deviate (Pd, P < 0.01) were also elevated in many patients. Male patients seeking surgery to become female showed higher scores on Pa and Sc scales than female patients. On detailed inquiry, it was found that there was no evidence of psychosis clinically, and in fact, their paranoia was reality based.Conclusion:MMPI profiles in patients with GID needs to interpreted with caution and clinicians must keep in mind that elevated Pa and Sc scales on the MMPI in these patients need not indicate a psychotic profile.

Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis: Personality and psychopathology differences from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2

The fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a chronic widespread pain condition whose etiology remains unknown. Within a psychosocial approach to FM, personality may play a role as predisposing and/or maintaining factor. A meta-analytic study has identified a distinct Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) clinical profile between FM female patients and healthy controls, but the differences between FM and other chronic pain conditions with clear etiology are not established. This cross-sectional study compares the clinical MMPI-2 profile in FM and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, identifies typical groups of each pathology, and further characterizes these groups in the broad MMPI-2 personality and psychopathology dimensions. The MMPI-2 scales were assessed in a sample of 70 women (FM: n = 38, Mage = 46.03, SDage = 8.48; RA: n = 32, Mage = 45.31, SDage = 8.68). The FM group had clinically significant elevations on five clinical scales (Hypochondriasis, Depression, Hysteria, Psychasthenia and Schizophrenia), while RA group had none. A K-Means cluster analysis allowed the identification of a typical profile of each pathology, and subsequent MANCOVAs identified important features of FM patients on several MMPI-2 dimensions. We conclude there is specificity in the personality and psychopathology characteristics of FM patients.

Психологические предпосылки стабильности кадрового состава при работе на объектах после радиационных аварий

Purpose: Identification of the psychological preconditions of the staff stability during work at facilities after radiation accidents. Material and methods: This paper includes the comparative analysis of findings of psychological examination of the personnel of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) over the aftermath period (July 1986 – April 1987) and those of the control group consisted of the workers of the Smolensk NPP (102 persons). The psychological examination was based on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF). To achieve the purpose of this study, additional information was collected concerning the time of dismissal of previously examined employees of the Chernobyl NPP. Two groups of the surveyed workers were selected on the basis of the obtained information: – individuals who continued to work at the Chernobyl NPP after the accident until 1995 (group 1) – 74 persons; – individuals who resigned voluntary from the plant within a year and a half following the accident (group 2) – 29 persons. Results: The results of the examination using MMPI and 16-PF revealed significant differences in the generalized psychological portraits of group 1, group 2 and the control group. Individuals of the group 2 were more different in psychological parameters from the control group than those of group 1. So, according to the MMPI data, significant differences were found on the L (Lie) scale and on seven clinical scales: scale 1 (Hypochondriasis), scale 2 (Depression), scale 3 (Hysteria), scale 4 (Psychopathic Deviate), scale 6 (Paranoia), scale 7 (Psychasthenia) and scale 8 (Schizophrenia). The values in the group 2 were significantly higher than in the control group for all listed above scales. In addition, the group 2 had lower levels of 16PF factors: the Q1 (Openness to Change/Radicalism) and the secondary F4 factor (Independence). Also, a large proportion of individuals with abnormally pronounced personality traits (more than 70 T-score) were obtained in this group according to the MMPI data (41.4 %). The most frequently anomalous peaks were met on the scales 2 (Depression) and 1 (Hypochondriasis). The anomalous peaks on the MMPI profiles in the group 2 have been detected more than three times often than in the group 1. In addition, the group 2 had lower levels of 16PF factors: C (Emotional Stability) and F (Liveliness) than these factors of the group 1. Comparison of the examination results of the group 1 and the control group revealed the similarity of their generalized psychological portraits. At the same time, the group 1 demonstrated much higher values (p &lt; 0.05) on MMPI scales: 1 (Hypochondriasis) and 2 (Depression) in comparison with the control group, however, these values were a bit higher than the general population standards (50 T-scores). Conclusion: The group of employees who quitted the job shortly after the accident was characterized by a pronounced uniqueness according to indicators of psycho-diagnostic tests, in comparison both with the control group, and with those who remained working at the plant for a long time. Apparently, these differences confirm our assumption about the existence of psychological characteristics that can be considered as preconditions for workers to make the decision to leave or continue working at the enterprise under changed conditions. This demonstrates the importance of taking into account the psychological characteristics of workers and the need for psychological support for personnel working under the exposure of harmful and hazardous factors after major radiation accidents.

Pain threshold reflects psychological traits in patients with chronic pain: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChronic pain enhances sensory sensitivity and induces the biased development of psychological traits such as depression and pain catastrophizing, leading to the formation of heterogeneous conditions. Fluctuations in the sensory-related thresholds of non-injured sites (with normal peripheral tissue) in patients with chronic pain are thought to be related to central sensitization. The objectives of this study were to analyze the association between pain tolerance thresholds (PTTs) in non-injured sites and the psychological traits of patients with chronic pain and to evaluate the usefulness of PTT measures in assessments of pathological conditions related to chronic pain.MethodsThis study included 57 patients with chronic pain. The PTTs were measured in non-injured sites with quantitative sensory testing (QST) with electrical stimulation and then classified with cluster analysis. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire was used to subjectively assess pain in the injured sites. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was used to assess the patients’ psychological traits.ResultsBased on the cluster analysis of PTTs, the patients were classified into a High-Sensitivity group and an Others group consisting of the remaining patients. The results of the MMPI profiles showed that the High-Sensitivity group included significantly more patients with the Neurotic Triad pattern and no patients with the Conversion V pattern. The scores of the hypochondriasis and hysteria scales were significantly lower in the High-Sensitivity group than in the Others group.ConclusionsThis study indicated that patients with chronic pain can be classified according to PTTs in non-injured sites and suggests that patients with High-Sensitivity have characteristic psychological traits. Assessment of PTTs in non-injured sites would be useful for evaluating the psychological condition of patients with chronic pain.

Effect of trauma onset on personality traits of politically persecuted victims.

BackgroundThe hypothesis that traumatic experiences in early childhood impact personality formation and psychopathology is well known in psychology and psychiatry, but this is difficult to verify statistically in methodological terms. The aim of this study, conducted with politically persecuted Poles, was to establish the influence of the time when trauma is experienced on the development of psychopathological symptoms.MethodsThe subjects were divided into two groups: those who had experienced trauma before age five (group 1) and those who experienced trauma at an older age (group 2). Subjects in both groups suffered from chronic untreated post-traumatic stress disorder. In order to test the research hypothesis, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 profiles of both groups were compared using Student’s t-test, and the Mann–Whitney U-test.ResultsStatistically significant between-group differences were found for the F validity scale and the following clinical scales: Hypochondriasis, Depression, Psychopathic deviate, Psychasthenia, Schizophrenia, and Social introversion. All the significantly different scores were higher in the group traumatized in early childhood. People exposed to trauma under age five had profiles similar to those traumatized after age five, but they experienced their symptoms more intensely.ConclusionsOf clinical significance, higher scores on the psychasthenia, schizophrenia, and social introversion scales, especially on the psychopathic deviate scale, indicated pathology only in the early childhood trauma group. Taken together, these symptoms lead to withdrawal and hindrance of social functioning. This outcome confirms the hypothesis of the influence of various early childhood factors (such as trauma) on personality formation and personality traits in adulthood.

Psychopathology and Personality Characteristics in Pathological Gamblers: Identifying Subgroups of Gamblers

We examined psychopathology and personality characteristics among 62 pathological gamblers (49 men and 13 women; mean age 37.8 years), measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). The mean MMPI-2 profile of the present sample of gamblers was characterized by elevated scores on depression and psychasthenia (anxiety/tension). Latent class analysis revealed 3 separate latent clusters: one with MMPI-2 profiles within the normal range, one with a moderately elevated profile, and one with elevations on most of the clinical scales. We conclude that pathological gamblers are a heterogeneous group with different degrees of pathology and personality configurations; thus, one cannot talk about a general "gambler personality" as such. Interventions for pathological gamblers should therefore take into consideration the pattern and the level of psychopathology of the patients.

MMPI-2 Profile of French Transsexuals: The Role of Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors. A cross-sectional design.

The assessment of co-existing psychological and psychiatric disorders is advocated in the Standards of Care for the health of transsexual people. This study aimed to determine the psychopathological characteristics of transsexuals based on a large sample of French individuals and to identify whether these characteristics differed according to the individual’s sociodemographic or clinical characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the psychopathological characteristics of transsexuals from a large sample of French individuals and whether these differed by sociodemographic or clinical characteristics. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a French public university hospital. The inclusion criteria were 18 years or older, diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and eligibility for a standardized sex reassignment procedure. Personality characteristics were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2). A total of 108 individuals provided a valid MMPI-2 between January 2007 and December 2010. The final sample had a median age of 31 years and included 54 (50%) Female-to-Male individuals. In multivariate models, hormonal therapy status was significantly related to the scales of MMPI-2 (Psychasthenia and Masculinity/Femininity). Personality assessment can help a multidisciplinary gender dysphoria team detect potential psychopathological factors of vulnerability.

MMPI-2 profiles and illness perception in fibromyalgia syndrome: The role of therapeutic exercise as adapted physical activity.

Control of pain management is an important up-stream process in fibromyalgia (FM) mechanisms. To investigate whether adapted physical activity (APA) could change the illness perception in relation to the FM personality profile. Thirty-seven women with FM allocated randomly: 19 treatment group (TG) and 18 control group (CG). Interventions: exercises program included ten sessions, two times for week for one hour each and observation for CG. Scales: Illness Perception Questionnaire-revisited (IPQ-r) for the mental representation of the disease, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles (MMPI-2) for personality tool and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) for function, impact and symptoms. Outcome assessments were performed before rehabilitation treatment (T0) than at the end (T1), and a follow-up 12 weeks after treatment (T2). APA was efficacy to improve FIQ values in TG at T1 and T2 test days (P = 0.014). Changes in IPQ-R values in T2 were not significant. All patients presented a baseline T-score≥65 in at least one of the basic and content MMPI-2 scales (Hy, D, Hs and Hea and Anx). APA was efficacy in FM, but further research to differentiate between illness experience rather than focus ona strict personality profile are necessary.

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profile in patients with restless legs syndrome.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is associated with psychiatric disorders. We aim to investigate the personality traits of RLS patients using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Twenty adult patients with RLS (14 females and 6 males) and 20 healthy controls (14 females and 6 males) who were referred to university neurology were enrolled in the present study. Diagnosis of RLS was established using International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. Psychometric evaluation was made with the Turkish version of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. RLS patients have significantly higher absolute and clinical elevation scores on hypochondriasis and hysteria, and clinical elevation scores on psychasthenia, compared with the controls. Absolute scores on depression were higher at the border in RLS patients compared with the controls. RLS patients have hypochondriac, hysterical, depressive, and anxious personality traits.

Comparison of Memory Function and MMPI-2 Profile between Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorder after a Traffic Accident.

ObjectiveDifferential diagnosis between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adjustment disorder (AD) is rather difficult, but very important to the assignment of appropriate treatment and prognosis. This study investigated methods to differentiate PTSD and AD.MethodsTwenty-five people with PTSD and 24 people with AD were recruited. Memory tests, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2), and Beck's Depression Inventory were administered.ResultsThere were significant decreases in immediate verbal recall and delayed verbal recognition in the participants with PTSD. The reduced memory functions of participants with PTSD were significantly influenced by depressive symptoms. Hypochondriasis, hysteria, psychopathic deviate, paranoia, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder scale of MMPI-2 classified significantly PTSD and AD group.ConclusionOur results suggest that verbal memory assessments and the MMPI-2 could be useful for discriminating between PTSD and AD.

Clinical Characteristics of Elderly Patients Aged over 65 Years with Insomnia Symptoms

Address for correspondence Won Chul Shin, MD Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, 892 Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 134-727, Korea Tel: +82-2-440-6166 Fax: +82-2-440-7262 E-mail: shinwc@khu.ac.kr Objectives: Sleeping problems and disorders generally increase with aging, and these changes influence elderly functioning and well-being. We studied the clinical characteristics of the elderly patients with insomnia symptoms for the appropriate diagnosis in Korea. Methods: Patients aged over 65 years with insomnia symptoms were recruited from Sleep Center of Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, from January 2010 to April 2013. General characteristics of sleep patterns, past medical history, previous medication related sleep, sleep diary, and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) were analyzed to understand the sleep pattern and the clinical characteristics in the elderly patients with insomnia symptoms. Results: The study population included 143 patients (45 men, 98 female), and their mean age was 71.41±5.32 years. These patients were classified according to the cause of insomnia symptoms, the primary cause was 39.1% (92.8% psychophysiological insomnia, 7.2% paradoxical insomnia), the secondary cause was 34.2% (depression, anxiety, associated medical illness, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, restless legs syndrome), and circadian rhythm sleep disorder was 26.6%. The MMPI-2 profiles were not significant differences in the study population. Conclusions: The clinical characteristics in our study population were different in variable parameters from the general population. It is necessary to understand these differences in the elderly patients for approaching the appropriate diagnosis and medical care. J Korean Sleep Res Soc 2013;10:25-30

MMPI-2 Personality Profiles and Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Victims of Bullying at Work: A Follow-Up Study

The main aim of this study was to investigate longitudinally the personality profile and suicidal ideation and behavior in victims of bullying at work in relation to the evolution of the victimization. Forty-eight victims were evaluated by means of medical and psychological assessment including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). A follow up session was carried out after an average of 22 months. At first evaluation, the average MMPI-2 personality profile of victims showed abnormal elevations on scales Hs (Hypochondria), D (Depression), Hy (Hysteria), and Pa (Paranoia), which were strikingly similar to that found in previous studies. Furthermore, suicidal ideation and behavior were common among victims. At follow-up, 26 victims reported that the degree of bullying had remained the same or had even worsened, whereas 22 said that the situation had improved or had been resolved. Although there was a trend toward normalization in the MMPI-2 profile for all victims, the profile of the "static" group was still abnormal at follow up. On the contrary, the profile of the "improved" group was entirely within normal range. Suicidal ideation and behavior decreased in all victims, but only to a significant degree in the improved group. Results are discussed in the light of the bullying process.

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.

Neurocognitive parameters should be incorporated in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 assessment of patients with alcohol use disorders

Treatment planning for alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients is often preceded by the assessment of psychopathology and personality with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). However, during periods of abstinence, cognitive impairments (e.g. attention, memory and executive dysfunctions) related to neurological and somatic pathology may affect level and pattern of MMPI-2 scale scores, resulting in clinical misinterpretation. A re-analysis of the data of the Egger et al. study is conducted in order to examine the clinical significance of the MMPI-2 profiles of 222 AUD patients (mean age 42.2 ± 9.6 years; 76.6% men) by using neurologically relevant item correction procedures. Hierarchical cluster analyses of neurologically relevant item-corrected solutions were compared to the original MMPI-2 profile. Impulsiveness and psychopathic deviation were identified as a common denominator. Uncorrected MMPI-2 assessment in AUD tends to overstress psychopathology and to overlook disinhibitory traits in early abstinence, caused by chronic alcoholism.