MMPI profiles in PTSD as a function of comorbidity

Abstract

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 Harris-Lingoes subscales, the Psychoticism content scale, and the MMPI-PTSD subscale. 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.