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MMPI variables predictive of schizophrenia in the Copenhagen High-Risk Project: a 25-year follow-up
J W Carter1, J Parnas, T D Cannon
1Social Science Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089-0375, USA.
Abstract:
Moldin et al. (1) have identified a cluster of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales that discriminate adolescents at risk for schizophrenia from those not at risk. The present study examines how well Moldin's scales predict schizophrenic decompensation in a sample of 207 Danish adolescents at high genetic risk for schizophrenia. Subjects were assessed using a modified, 304-item MMPI in 1962 (mean age= 15.1 years) and diagnosed in 10-year and 25-year follow-ups. Premorbidly, schizophrenic subjects (n=31) scored higher than subjects with no mental illness on the frequency (F) and psychoticism (PSY) scales. When paranoid and non-paranoid preschizophrenics were separated, three scales (F, Pz (paranoid schizophrenia) and PSY) significantly discriminated paranoid preschizophrenics. Discriminant function analyses confirmed these results. It is concluded that the MMPI may be useful for identifying schizophrenia premorbidly.
Insights
This study tested if Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales could predict schizophrenia in high-risk adolescents. Certain MMPI scales showed promise in identifying individuals who would later develop paranoid schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Genetics
Background:
- Adolescent schizophrenia risk assessment is crucial for early intervention.
- Previous research identified specific Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales for risk detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive validity of Moldin's MMPI scales for schizophrenic decompensation in Danish high-risk adolescents.
- To determine if specific MMPI scales can identify individuals who develop schizophrenia premorbidly.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 207 Danish adolescents with high genetic risk for schizophrenia was assessed using a modified MMPI in 1962.
- Participants underwent 10-year and 25-year follow-up diagnoses for mental illness.
- Discriminant function analyses were employed to assess predictive accuracy.
Main Results:
- Adolescents who developed schizophrenia scored higher on the Frequency (F) and Psychoticism (PSY) MMPI scales compared to healthy controls.
- Three scales (F, Pz for paranoid schizophrenia, and PSY) significantly differentiated paranoid preschizophrenic individuals.
- Discriminant function analyses confirmed the predictive utility of these scales.
Conclusions:
- The MMPI shows potential utility in the premorbid identification of schizophrenia risk in adolescents.
- Specific MMPI scales may aid in distinguishing individuals at risk for developing paranoid schizophrenia.