The MMPI and neurologic dysfunction: Profile configuration and analysis

This study examined the application of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) to the assessment of personality and emotional status in neurologic patients. Eighteen specialists in the clinical neurosciences examined the standard MMPI and indicated those items they felt were potentially tapping valid manifestations of neurologic damage or dysfunction. Forty-four items, loading primarily on the Hs, Hy, and Sc scales, were identified. These items were then deleted from the standard MMPI protocols of a heterogeneous group of 115 verified neurologic patients and the protocols rescored in the usual fashion. Corresponding high-points between the original MMPI and the modified version occurred in 46% of the cases. Comparable two-point code types occurred in only 29% of the cases. Taking into account the neurologic content of the MMPI can thus considerably alter the MMPI profile of a neurologic patient. Caution should thus be exercised with regard to the application and literal interpretation of the MMPI in neurologic cases.