MMPI characteristics of the DSM-III-R avoidant personality disorder

The clinical description provided by the MMPI Scale 0 (Social Introversion, Si) reflects an apparent and striking affinity with the DSM-III--R concept of the avoidant personality disorder which was here investigated by comparing the MMPI variables of 22 avoidant with 60 other, nonavoidant personality disordered inpatients. Both of the groups were diagnosed by use of a semistructured interview (SCID-II). The avoidant group obtained for mean MMPI profile a 2-6-7 (D-Pa-Pt) code. Significant differences were found between groups on MMPI Scales 2 (D), 7 (Pt), 9 (Ma), and 0 (Si). ROC analysis of the diagnostic performance showed the importance and utility of the evaluation of Scale 0 (Si) in the psychodiagnostic assessment of the avoidant personality disorder.