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The article focuses on a study related to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scale. Seventy-five Vietnam combat veterans who had been admitted for treatment to a Medical Center as inpatients were selected. They were given a battery of tests that included the MMPI, VETS Adjustment Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, the Rotter Locus of Control scale, Profile of Mood Scale and a modification of the Figley Stress Scale. The results indicated that, regardless of diagnosis and combat status, high scores on the MMPI-PTSD scale can be accounted for by self rated stress.

Vietnam combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who had requested treatment through a special VA-sponsored PTSD treatment program were evaluated using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS). Based on the DIS, 91.12% of the sample had a lifetime diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence and this was, by far, the most frequent co-diagnosis in the sample. The most common reason for patients not completing the treatment program was for use of illegal substances or alcohol while in the program, even though they were aware that to do so meant that they would be either discharged or transferred to another unit. The percentage of other co-diagnoses, and an estimate of currentness for all Axis I diagnoses were also presented on the sample of 102 patients. It was determined that for this population, the symptoms of substance abuse were chronic and were inextricably intertwined with PTSD symptoms and with the initial stressor (combat). Treatment process implications were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of this study found that prisoners of war (POWs) tend to produce a basic 1, 2, 3 (Hs, D, Hy) configuration on the MMPI which has also been found in other studies. Significant differences were found for different sub-groupings on specific scales, but the same basic, 1, 2, 3 configuration was maintained for all groups. Subjects were found to display considerable PTSD symptomatology as depicted by independent psychiatric interviews and performance on an Impact of Events Scale (IES). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms were also found to dissipate over time. Results are discussed in reference to the possible use of somatization as a means of handling stress and how the manifestation of PTSD in this population differ from that seen in Vietnam combat veterans suffering from PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship of the NEO-PI to personality disorders was evaluated in a clinical population. Eighty subjects with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were given this measure, along with the MCMI-II and PTSD and combat scales. Two questions were addressed: (1) What is the relationship of NEO-PI domains and facets to personality disorders?; and (2) What is this scale's relationship to PTSD problems? Results support previous studies that employed a clinical population, but with lower correlation coefficients. For the most part, then, the NEO-PI domains and facets correlated in expected ways with the MCMI-II. On PTSD measures, N accounted for the majority of the variance, but other domains were entered when independent regression equations were calculated to account for different personality disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample of 47 Vietnam veterans with the diagnosis of combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was administered the MMPI and MMPI-2. Pairwise comparisons were performed on the clinical scales, Harris Lingoes subscales, and scales relevant to the assessment of PTSD. Correlational analyses were performed as well. Hit rates of high-point pairs were compared across the tests. The results suggest a high degree of congruence between tests. Differences were seen on evaluations of some scales between tests that may influence interpretation and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample of 135 Vietnam veteran inpatients with combat-related PTSD was sorted into three groups, depending upon the presence of concurrent psychiatric disorders: Depression (n = 68), Psychosis (n = 31), and Other (n = 36). Pairwise comparisons were made on the MMPI with respect to the validity indicators, clinical scales, four relevant Harris­Lingoes subscales, the Psychoticism content scale, and the MMPI-PTSD subscales. Results indicate variations in scale elevations as a function of comorbid diagnosis. Various items and scales appear to differentiate the Psychosis group due to greater psychopathology. In general, the results spotlight the heterogeneous aspects that comorbidity brings to PTSD assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cluster analysis was used to identify groups of inpatients with confirmed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to combat. In Study 1 the MCMI was administered to 256 subjects, in addition to the MMPI, PTSD measures, and background variables. Three clusters resulted: a Traumatic Personality (8–2), Schizoid influence (8–2–1), and Antisocial Influence (8–6). Comparison on the MCMI symptom scales, MMPI, and PTSD scales showed that the Antisocial Influence cluster was ‘healthier’ on all measures. The Schizoid Influence was most psychopathological. In Study 2 the MCMI-III was administered to 136 new subjects who met the same criteria as in Study 1. Four clusters resulted: Global (1-2-6A-6B-8A-8B), Subclinical(1), Aggressive (6A-6B-8A), and Detached/Self-Defeating (1-2-8A-8B). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies MMPI over-reporting by Vietnam combat veterans. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as a maladaptive emotional response subsequent to a discrete traumatic event. This study is an effort at further clarification of the subtle-obvious nature of the items that comprise the MMPI-PTSD scale. A major concern of this or any scale is symptom exaggeration or faking bad. In a veteran population this is especially probe lematic because secondary gain in the form of VA compensation often depends on the designation of PTSD.