Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Test Research Articles

Patient Factors Influencing Outpatient Retention in Patients with Affective and Anxiety Disorders: A Retrospective Study.

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study is to identify the factors that affect retention in outpatients with psychiatric disorders as indicators of treatment adherence, including Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scores.MethodsThe medical records of 146 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder for at least 10 years and discharged were retrospectively reviewed in the present study. The subjects were categorized based on the duration of outpatient treatment as < 6 months (L6) or ≥ 6 months (M6) groups and reclassified as < 36 months (L36) and ≥ 36 months (M36) groups. The demographic, clinical, and personality characteristics of the groups were compared.ResultsPatients in M6 and M36 groups were more likely to have a higher educational level compared with those in the L6 and L36 groups, respectively. Patients in the M6 group showed significantly lower hypomania (Ma) scores on the MMPI test than did patients in the L6 group.ConclusionThe association between high Ma score on the MMPI test and early discontinuation of treatment suggests that impulsivity, hostility, and disinhibition confer higher risk of nonadherence.

Study of personality accentuations based on a three-factor dichotomic typological approach

A significant problem for practical psychologists is development of own methods necessary for particular and special cases of character research. This requires technologies for creating psychological diagnostic tools that might help to extend, streamline and show a complete picture of the personality, as well as a reliable system for validating the designed instrumentation. Practical psychology needs set forth a social mandate for the development of a classification technology highlighting psychological characteristics of individuals. Purpose of the research: creation of a new methodology for obtaining and measuring information concerning personality accentuations. Methods: a three-factor integrated dichotomic basic approach is used in modelling personality accentuations types and varieties of temperament. The respondents were represented by 187 students of Vologda State University. The research was carried out using the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) test and Holland’s Professional Test Guide. The correlation analysis was used as well in data processing. The validation of the new methodology for measuring personality accentuations was made in terms of constructive validity. The research results extend the scientific concept defining the role and significance of the processes structuring the personality-specific psychological information, based on the use of a dichotomic three-factor basic approach which in turn will contribute to the development of theoretical psychologist’s creative thinking. In addition, the results are aimed at obtaining complete and ordered measurement information on personality accentuations based on the application of the integrated-dichotomic three-factor basic typological approach that is of particular importance for the formation of practical psychologist’s theoretical reasoning. The research results can be used for the purpose of extension of the psychodiagnostic training content.

S138. A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON ILLNESS INSIGHT MEASURED BY THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ERN PATTERNS AND MMPI RESULTS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

BackgroundThe error-related negativity (ERN) is an event-related brain potential waveform peaking about 50 ms after error commission in choice-response tasks and may indicate a conflict between neural representations of correct and incorrect responses as stimulus processing continues after an error. Most previous studies consistently reported a reduced event-related potential (ERP) amplitude in patients with schizophrenia compared with normal controls. Some self-report measures derived from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) are known to be associated with clinical observations in carefully diagnosed schizophrenia patients. In the MMPI, an elevation of the validity scales in the MMPI best distinguishes patients with schizophrenia from patients feigning schizophrenia, and the MMPI validity scales are known to provide a good reflection of illness insight in schizophrenia.Both the amplitudes of the Pe of the ERN and the scores of the MMPI validity scales are supposed to reflect, directly or indirectly, the illness insight of patients with schizophrenia.When the abovementioned results obtained in studies on the ERN or MMPI in patients with schizophrenia are taken together, we may presume that a certain relationship exists between the results of the ERN and the MMPI validity scales in terms of illness insight.Interestingly, as far as we know, there are no published studies that looked at the results of the ERN and the MMPI at the same time.We tried to perform an integrative examination of the relationship between the results of the ERN and MMPI tests in patients with schizophrenia as a method of measuring illness insight in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of who were diagnosed as having schizophrenia based on the DSM-5.The protocol for the general ERP and ERN are as follows.64 channels with M1 and M2 as reference electrodesImpedance: < 1 kΩERN: 1000 msERPs were recorded while the patients were performing the Stroop test. Independently of the ERP recording, the patients received an MMPI test.The relationship between the latency and amplitude of the ERN and the demographic and clinical variables was analyzed by a t-test, and correlation analyses were used for categorical and continuous variables. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsOf the total 18 patients (8 men and 10 women; age = 41.6 ± 15.8) whose data were reviewed, 5 were excluded due to poor understanding of the ERN instructions.Table 1. Demographic and clinical information of participated patientswith schizophreniaTable 2. Partial correlation coefficients on variables after controlling for age and gender.DiscussionThe results for the association of ERN amplitude and latency with the MMPI validity scales showed that latency measures were positively associated with the MMPI validity scales that were related to the assessment of the overestimation of responses. Individuals who tended to exaggerate problems through over-responses showed increased ERN amplitude but decreased ERN Pe amplitude. Although caution is needed to interpret the results of this study due to limitations, our results suggest that ERP measurement could act as a biological marker for endophenotype in schizophrenia. Furthermore, ERP measurement might be used to visualize or to make concrete illness insight, which by its nature is difficult to measure objectively.ReferencesYeung N, Botvinick MM, Cohen JD. The neural basis of error detection: conflict monitoring and the error-related negativity. Psychol Rev. 2004 Oct;111(4):931–959.Kansal V, Patriciu I, Kiang M. Illness insight and neurophysiological error-processing deficits in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res. 2014 Jun;156(1):122–7.

609 Assessments of mental health status of premature ejaculation (PE) patients by Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory compared with non-PE male control

To evaluate the mental health status and the morbidity of personality of premature ejaculation (PE) patients by comparing the results of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test between 116 PE patients and 53 males with normal ejaculatory latency, thus guiding psychological intervention of PE patients. PE patient was diagnosed with the definition of PE by ISSM, while the volunteer with normal ejaculatory latency were assessed as control group. The premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and MMPI test were evaluated between two groups. The MMPI test includes 9 types of personality disorders of hysteria, depression, social introversion, hypochondriasis, psychopathic deviate, paranoia, psychasthenia, schizophrenia and hypomania. The mean age of PE patients was 35 years (range from 19 to 67 years), and that of the control group was 34 years (range from 20 to 62 years). The results of MMPI and PEDT between the two groups were analyzed. There were 54.3 % PE patients with personality disorders, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (24.5%, p<0.01). Depression (28.4%), hysteria (20.6%) and psychasthenia (19.0%) were the most frequent three kinds of personality disorders in the PE group, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, we found that there were more multiple personality disorders in the PE group than that of the control group (p<0.01). Besides, personality disorders were positively correlated with the total score of PEDT (p<0.05), among which PE patients with four kinds of personality disorders received the highest score of PEDT.

Experiments with Consistency-Based Preprocessing of MMPI Data for Classification Tasks

The paper is devoted to the problem of consistency-based preprocessing of MMPI data for classification tasks. MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) is a standardized psychometric test of adult personality and psychopathology. The MMPI test delivers psychometric data in a form of the so-called profiles consisting of values of thirteen descriptive attributes (corresponding to scales). The preprocessing procedure covers the filtration of cases using consistency factors calculated according to the original rough set based approach. The proposed filtration enables us to simplify the size of classifiers without a significant loss of their classification ability.

Determining Importance of Ranges of MMPI Scales Using Fuzzification and Relevant Attribute Selection

The paper presents an empirical study of the use of fuzzification and relevant feature selection to determination of the importance of particular ranges of MMPI scales. The importance is determined in terms of classification capabilities. MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) is a standardized psychometric test of adult personality and psychopathology. The MMPI test delivers psychometric data in a form of the so-called profiles consisting of values of thirteen descriptive attributes (corresponding to scales). Determination of the importance of ranges of MMPI scales is crucial for computer-aided classification tasks as well as from the diagnostic point of view. The experiments were performed on a real-life data set consisting of over 1700 profiles. A special attention is focused in the paper on the fuzzification process implemented in CLAPSS (Classification and Prediction Software System). CLAPSS is a tool developed for solving different classification and prediction problems using, among others, some specialized approaches based mainly on fuzzy sets and rough sets.

DETECTION OF AUTONOMIC DYSFYNCTIONS IN COMPLEX NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF NMU STUDENTS

According to the data of the world statistics there is observed the growth of autonomic dysfunctions. It is one of the main problems of clinical neurology: 12–25 % of children and near 70 % of adults suffers from these disorders. Aim: diagnosing of autonomic dysfunctions in the contingent of students with the help of neuropsychological investigations. Methods and materials: There were examined 1379 students of medical university. Self-appraisal autonomic system tone testing, Kerdo index, G.Dagnini-B.Aschner reflex and ortho-clinostatic sign were carried out on the first phase. For 157 students the Heart Rate Variability was investigated on the second phase. All students were tested by the Eysenck Personality Inventory on the third phase. 70 students (31 men, 39 women) were accordingly tested by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Results of research: Increasing of sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system showed 221 (82.1 %) from 257 persons. Kerdo index was positive at 156 (60.7 %) persons. Reactivity of the autonomic nervous system by the G.Dagnini-B.Aschner reflex showed sympathetic reaction in 133 (51.8 %) persons. Autonomic ensuring of the vital functions study by ortho-clinostatic sign also showed prevalence of the sympathetic reaction – 150 (58.4 %) students. According to the RSAI, 5 marks (optimal) were showed in case of 52 (33.1 %) students. 4 marks – 68 (43.3 %) persons. 3, 2 and 1 marks were registered in case of 26 (16.6 %) persons. Average SI was 168.47 ± 16.42. 4 marks of RSAI correlated with SI=137.29 ± 5.75, 2 marks correlated with SI=508.12 ± 32.12. According to psychological tests, all students with extraversion reliably showed non-stability of the higher nervous action (14.38±017), increased average T-marks of F-scale (77±1.949), 9-scale (71±1.553) and 8-scale (71±1.801). Conclusions: Indicators of autonomic tone, autonomic reactivity and autonomic activity ensuring showed prevalence of sympathicotonia in contingent of students. Heart Rate Variability investigation found dystonic disorders of autonomic nervous system of supra-segmental level mainly. Eysenck Personality Inventory found the prevalence of extraversion and non-stability of the higher nervous activity what may indicate further autonomic dysfunctions. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory testing revealed psychological disproportions with prevalence of hypomanic, paranoid, schizophrenic tendency. Psychologic affects cause further somatic complaints as manifestation of autonomic dysfunctions.

Efficacy of hormonal and mental treatments with MMPI in FtM individuals: cross-sectional and longitudinal studies

BackgroundCross-sex hormone treatment (CSHT) is an important option for gender dysphoria (GD) individuals to improve the quality of life. However, in Japan, sex reassignment surgery (SRS) and CSHT for GD had been discontinued until 1998 (over 30 years). After resumption, the number of GD individuals wishing treatment rapidly increased. On the other hand, the number of medical institutions available for evaluation was limited. For this reason, hormonal treatment has been administered to GD individuals requiring the prompt start of CSHT in the absence of mental health assessment by specialists. In this study, we examined the efficacy of CSHT and psychotherapy.MethodsThe participants were 155 female-to-male (FtM) individuals who consulted our gender identity clinic, and were definitively diagnosed. A cross-sectional study was conducted by dividing them into two groups: groups with and without CSHT on the initial consultation (Group CSHT: n = 53, Group no-CSHT: n = 102). In all participants, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and blood hormone tests were performed on the initial consultation. In addition, CSHT was combined with psychotherapy for a specific period in Group no-CSHT, and FtM individuals in whom an additional MMPI test could be conducted (Group combined treatment (CT), n = 14) were enrolled in a longitudinal study.ResultsIn the cross-sectional study, there was no significant difference on the MMPI test. In the longitudinal study, there were improvements in the clinical scales other than the Mf scale on the MMPI test. In Group CT, the D, Sc, and Si scale scores on the initial consultation were significantly higher than in Group CSHT. However, there was no clinical scale with a significantly higher value after the start of treatment. The Pd scale score was significantly lower.ConclusionsCSHT improved mental health. Psychotherapy-combined CSHT may further improve it.Trial registrationThe study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Kansai Medical University (A comprehensive treatment for gender dysphoria: No. 0314 registered date 10th December 2003), and was approved at UMIN000028102 on 6th July 2017 as retrospectively registered.

Relationships between MMPI Scales under Defensive Attitude and Safety and Health Indices

Objective:This study aims to analyze the relationships between personality factors measured by Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales and the indices of safety and health in the shipbuilding industry.BR Background: Many researches reported that there were significant relationships between some MMPI subscales and traffic and industrial accidents.BR Method: This study analyzes 230 male workers in shipyard for their MMPI scores gathered during recruitment process and their safety and health indices from the performance record during their working period. χ2-test and one-way ANOVA are used for finding the statistical significance for personality factors. The conventional grouping rule for MMPI scales and other grouping criteria considering the attitude of positive answer for the MMPI test during recruitment process are used for analysis.BR Results: The Hypomania (Ma) and Psychopathic Deviate (Pd) scales of the MMPI are the main factors related to the safety and health related indices for most grouping rules. Depression (D), Psychasthenia (Pt), Hypochondriasis (Hs), Schizophrenia (Sc), and Masculinity and Femininity (Mf) scales are also related to the safety and health indices.BR Conclusion and Application: The results can be used for understanding the psychological factors in human behaviors and safety and can help professional personnel take the necessary steps in improving safety on the job and also in providing the effective teaching of safe work methods.

Kronik Bel Ağrısı Olan Hastalarda Ağrı, Özürlülük Durumu ve Psikolojik Faktörlerin İncelenmesi

Amaç: Çalışmamız, kronik bel ağrısı olan hastalarda ağrı, özürlülük durumu ve psikolojik faktörlerin incelenmesi amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmada 167 olgu (kronik bel ağrısı olan 41 ve bel ağrısı olmayan 126 olgu) değerlendirilmiştir. Demografik veriler kaydedildikten sonra, bireylerde ağrı durumunu sorgulamak için, Görsel Ağrı Skalası, özürlülük derecesini belirlemede Oswestry Özürlülük İndeksi ve kişilik durumunun belirlenmesi için Minnesota Çok Yönlü Kişilik Envanteri kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Hastaların yaş ortalaması (bel ağrısı olan I. Grup) 39,90±10,41 yıl ve kontrol grubunun (ağrısı olmayan II. Grup) yaş ortalaması 37,67±11,17 yıldır. I. grubun ağrı şiddeti ortalaması 6,39±1,59 ve ağrı süresi 4,73±5,63 yıl bulunmuştur. Bel ağrısı olan grubun Oswestry Özürlülük İndeksi puan ortalaması 35,75±7,46 saptanmıştır. Gruplar Minnesota Çok Yönlü Kişilik Envanteri puanları açısından karşılaştırıldıklarında, hipokondriyazis bulguları (p=0,006), depresyon bulguları (p=0,003) ve dissimulasyon (ikiyüzlülük) bulguları (p=0,040) istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmuştur. Kronik bel ağrısı olan grupta Minnesota Çok Yönlü Kişilik Envanteri testi sonuçlarının daha yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Kronik bel ağrısı olan grupta ağrı bulguları ile depresyon arasında (p=0,001), hipokondriyazis arasında (p<0,001) ve histerik davranışlar arasında (p<0,001) pozitif yönde ileri düzeyde anlamlı bir ilgileşim bulunmuştur. Sonuç: Çalışmamız, bütün kronik ağrılarda olduğu gibi, kronik bel ağrısının da kişileri ruhsal yönden etkileyebildiğini ve yardım gerektiren önemli bir sorun olduğunu göstermektedir.

Malingering of PTSD: forensic and diagnostic considerations, characteristics of malingerers and clinical presentations

Objective This paper aims to study the detection of individuals malingering posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in criminal and civil situations. Method A brief history of PTSD and its rise to prominence in legal circles are discussed. The characteristics of individuals who malinger and particularly those who fake PTSD are discussed. Diagnostic dilemmas inherent to the condition, such as the definition of a traumatic exposure, what constitutes a PTSD flashback and the potential for normal symptom exaggeration, are explored. Results The typical presentation of malingered symptoms is presented to help clinicians detect commonly seen malingering patterns. Suggestions for interview techniques, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test values and sources of collateral information to help detect malingering are reviewed. Conclusion The paper concludes with a review of the typical presentations of malingered PTSD symptoms and a reminder that physicians need to distinguish legitimate symptoms from faked or embellished presentations.

Association of depressive symptoms with coagulation factors in young healthy individuals

Background Depression has been reported to be an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). We investigated the association of depressive symptoms with lipids and coagulation factors in young individuals free of CHD. Methods We recruited 1073 young healthy individuals candidates for military academies (mean age = 18.4 ± 0.8 years, males 762) in whom the presence of depressive symptoms was assessed by using the depression scale of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), fibrinogen, factors VII, VIII and X were measured. Results The depression score ranged from 22 to 90. The participants were divided into quartiles according to the depression score. Three hundred twenty-two subjects were classified in the upper quartile (score > 48) and 269 in the lower quartile (score < 37) of the depression score. Factor VII (102.95 ± 24 versus 98.5 ± 20%) and X levels (92 ± 11 versus 89.7 ± 10%) were significantly higher in individuals in the upper quartile compared to the lower quartile of the depression score. In a logistic regression model with factor VII as dependent variable (upper versus lower quartile) and depression score, age, gender, body mass index, exercise and smoking as predictor variables, depression was an independent predictor of factor VII levels with an adjusted odds ratio for high levels of factor VII of 1.05 (95% confidence interval 1.008–1.09, p = 0.01). Factor VII levels were associated with triglycerides ( r = 0.21, p = 0.001) while factor X with triglycerides ( r = 0.22, p < 0.001) and cholesterol levels ( r = 0.12, p < 0.001). Conclusions Depressed mood is associated with a hypercoagulant profile as it is expressed by the higher levels of coagulation factors VII and X. This might partially explain the higher propensity for CHD of people with depressive symptoms.

Hypospadias: Incidence and Effects on Psychosexual Development as Evaluated with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Test in a Sample of 11,649 Young Italian Men

Purpose: We evaluated the incidence of hypospadias and its effects on psychosexual development in a sample of 11,649 young Italian males. Over the last 30 years only about 30 major publications have addressed these issues and the results of many studies have been contrasting. Some defects in methodology, such as low response rates, heterogeneity of age ranges and the choice of controls, have been the main limitations. Our study was designed to take these problems into account. Materials and Methods: Forty-two hypospadic subjects and a random sample of 500 nonaffected males selected from the large sample of 11,649 young men (>90% of the 18-year-old males living in the Italian region of Tuscany) were screened by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test, psychological interview and clinical evaluation. Results: The incidence of hypospadias in this representative group of Italian men is 3.6/1,000. No difference was noted in the percentage with altered MMPI compared with the control group. The age at surgical corrections and the number of operations are not related to an abnormal global psychological adjustment. Severity of disease influences a more negative genital appraisal and the number of operations is correlated only with more difficulty in initiating contact with the opposite sex. Conclusions: Surgery for hypospadias has to be strongly pursued in as many cases as possible. In addition, we strongly recommend following up all hypospadics, independently of the severity of their genital malformations, through adolescence to early adulthood, to ensure early detection of subjects with impaired psychological profiles.

Context, conflict, and resolution: a new conceptual framework for evaluating professionalism.

Context, conflict, and resolution: a new conceptual framework for evaluating professionalism.

The Impact of a Defensive Response Set on the Relationship Between MMPI and Cognitive Tests Among Heart Transplant Candidates

Examination of the relationship between self-reported psychological symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety) and cognitive tests assumes individuals are highly motivated to both openly disclose psychological symptoms and to extend best-effort on cognitive tests. Situations that change this ideal motivational state on either self-report questionnaires or cognitive tests attenuate the validity of this assumption. To illustrate this problem, this study examined the emotional-cognitive correlation in a clinical series of 136 cardiac patients undergoing psychosocial and cognitive evaluation as part of a standard protocol for entry into a cardiac transplant program. The evaluative nature of the psychosocial assessment motivates some candidates to respond in a defensive manner, thereby decreasing the validity of self-report psychological measures. This same situation likely promotes high performance motivation on cognitive tests. It was hypothesized that a defensive response set on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), as measured by the F-K (Frequency-Correction) Gough Dissimulation Index, would attenuate the strength of the emotional-cognitive relationship. Cognitive factor scores were generated and correlated with the MMPI state clinical scales (i.e., scales 2, 7, and 8) for both nondefensive and defensive ( F-K ≥ −15) groups. Results show increased emotional distress was reliably associated with decreased cognitive functioning ( rs = −.22 to −.27) among the nondefensive group, but was unrelated in the defensive group. The importance of considering the influence of performance contingencies within research and clinical settings is discussed.

The MMPI as a Predictive Tool for Missionary Candidates

The missionary community has needed a method for inexpensive effective candidate screening. Previous experience (Schubert, 1992, 1993) has suggested certain Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales and background information of the candidate to be helpful in this regard. The MMPI has been used as a tool in selection with missionary and tentmaker candidates with varying levels of success. This double-blind study matches predictive MMPI interpretations with long-term missionary performance in 129 missionary units (one single missionary or one married couple per unit). MMPI test interpretations were 69% accurate in prediction of performance. Other effects were significant with regard to the age of the individuals. Gender and general location (home mission versus overseas mission) were not statistically significant. “Yes” predictions were accurate 77% of the time; “no” 71%; and the “maybe” prediction divided into 58% successes and 42% failures. This preliminary research indicates that the MMPI is inadequate as a sole evaluation of missionary candidates yet has a high potential for use with some other basic tools. A prospective study is in progress utilizing the MMPI, a Life History Questionnaire, and an autobiography.

Lumbar Disc Herniations

Ninety-one patients who were treated for lumbar disc herniation with chymopapain chemonucleolysis were evaluated preoperatively by means of the Health Attribution Test (HAT) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). There were 54 good, 10 fair, and 27 poor results after chemo-nucleolysis. Nineteen patients subsequently underwent lumbar laminectomy and discectomy and the ultimate outcome for the entire series including these laminectomy patients was 66 good, 10 fair, and 15 poor results. The fair/poor chemonucleolysis outcome patients scored significantly lower than did the good outcome patients on the HAT Powerful Others and significantly higher on the Chance scale. Patients with fair or poor outcomes after chemonucleolysis only scored significantly higher on the Hypochondriasis, Hysteria, Psychopathic Deviate, Paranoia, and Hypomania scales in preoperative MMPI testing. Good versus fair/poor ultimate outcome patients differed significantly on preoperative MMPI Hypochondriasis, Hysteria, Psychopathic Deviate, Paranoia, Psychasthenia, Schizophrenia, Hypomania, and Social Introversion scales. These groups also differed significantly on preoperative HAT Internal and Chance scales. Further analyses found the MMPI to be a slightly better predictor of chemonucleolysis outcome and much better predictor of ultimate outcome than the HAT.

Personality Characteristics and Psychosocial Adjustment of Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Psychological tests and structured interviews were administered to 42 survivors of childhood cancer to asses their psychosocial adjustment. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was administered to each survivor, and the Personality Inventory for Children (PIC) was administered to his or her chopathology of each MMPI profile. Thirty-three percent of the survivors were found to exhibit clinical evidence of at least a moderate degree of emotional difficulty. The structured interviews, in combination with the MMPI test results, revealed agitation, restlessness, social withdrawal, and passivity as frequent behavioral difficulties. Parents' reprts (via the PIC) of their children's personalities were highly correlated with the survivors' MMPI profiles. With regard to social adjustment, the development of age-appropriate independent tasks appeared to be most difficult for survivors. The findings of this pilot study support the recommendation that psychosocial rehabilitation should be an importan...

A Comparison of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory as Predictors of Successful Treatment by Lumbar Laminectomy

One hundred twenty-nine patients who were treated by lumbar laminectomy for discogenic disease were evaluated preoperation by means of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). At follow-up evaluation, there were 71% good, 18% fair, and 11% poor surgical results. Patients with fair or poor outcomes scored significantly higher in the hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, and psychasthenia scales in preoperative MMPI testing. These patients also showed significant differences on the MCMI asocial, gregarious, and neurotic depression scales. The MMPI profiles had a higher correlation with successful treatment than did those of the MCMI. The MMPI can help identify patients whose pain syndrome has a significant psychosocial component, and it can easily be used by orthopedic surgeons to facilitate referral and treatment planning.

A comparison between the MMPI and the ‘Mensana clinic back pain test’ for validating the complaint of chronic back pain in women

Reports on the efficacy of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) for selecting patients with valid complaints of pain, have been equivocal. The Mensana Clinic Screening Test for Chronic Back Pain Patients (MPT) was able to predict, with some degree of success, patients who had definite organic pathology. However, the MMPI measures personality traits, while the MPT measures the impact of pain on a patient's life. In order to determine which of the two tests would be a better predictor of actual physical abnormalities, and hence valid pain complaints, a comparison was undertaken between the two tests. The charts of 53 female admissions to the Neurosurgery Service of Johns Hopkins Hospital, with the complaint of back pain, were assessed. MMPI test results, as well as test results for the MPT, were compared to the presence or absence of pathology on electromyography, nerve conduction velocity studies, thermography, myelogram, CT scan, or X-ray. The MPT had a correlation factor of −0.5384, that was significant at the 0.00002 level. Of the 30 patients scoring 17 points or less on the MPT, 77% had objective physical abnormalities, considered moderate or severe by blind review. Of the 23 patients scoring 18 points or greater on the MPT, only 18% had objective physical findings that were considered moderate or severe. Only the depression scale (scale no. 2) of the MMPI correlated with objective physical abnormalities ( R = −0.30). However, only 58% of the patients with T scores on scale no. 2 of less than 70 had objective findings, while 56% of patients with T scores greater than 70 had objective physical findings. Therefore, the MMPI cannot be considered a valid test for predicting the presence or absence of physical abnormalities, while the MPT could do so with greater reliability and validity. We conclude that the presence or absence of physical abnormalities occurs as an independent variable from personality traits, and the MPT is a better predictor of the validity of the complaint of pain than the MMPI.