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Borderline personality disorder: replication of MMPI profiles
R J Resnick1, S C Goldberg, S C Schulz
1Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a particular MMPI profile is associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Forty-seven symptomatic volunteers who satisfied DSM-III criteria for borderline and/or schizotypal personality disorder were given the full MMPI. Concordance of MMPI profile for BDP confirmed the findings of four previous studies. Elevations were noted on F, D, PD, PA, PT, and SC. A subject's profile with this pattern is interpreted from item content as generally neurotic, dysthymic, socially withdrawn, suspicious, apathetic toward the future, affectively erratic, unable to anticipate the consequences of his or her own behavior, and unable to judge the social desirability of his or her own behavior. Correlations of the foregoing scales with a total BPD score ranged from .44 to .77, with a multiple R of .80 and a cross validity of .77. The accuracy of predicting actual BPD and non-BPD cases was 89%. Accordingly, the MMPI could be used as a coarse screen for BPD casefinding in that patients with the MMPI profiles above should be selected for more thorough diagnostic workup. In the future, the MMPI might be linked to other variables, such as drug response, to understand further the pathophysiology of BPD.
Insights
This study found a specific Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profile is linked to borderline personality disorder (BPD). This MMPI pattern can help identify individuals needing further evaluation for BPD.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychological Assessment
Background:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition.
- Accurate and efficient diagnostic tools are crucial for BPD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a specific Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profile associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
- To evaluate the MMPI's utility as a screening tool for BPD.
Main Methods:
- Forty-seven individuals meeting DSM-III criteria for BPD or schizotypal personality disorder were administered the full MMPI.
- Statistical analysis, including correlations and multiple regression, was used to assess the relationship between MMPI scales and BPD.
- Cross-validation was performed to ensure the reliability of the findings.
Main Results:
- A distinct MMPI profile characterized by elevations on specific scales (F, D, PD, PA, PT, SC) was consistently associated with BPD.
- This profile suggests neuroticism, dysthymia, social withdrawal, suspicion, affective instability, and impaired judgment.
- The MMPI profile demonstrated high accuracy (89%) in predicting BPD cases, with a multiple R of .80 and cross-validity of .77.
Conclusions:
- The identified MMPI profile serves as a valuable coarse screening tool for BPD casefinding.
- Individuals exhibiting this MMPI pattern warrant further diagnostic assessment.
- Future research could explore linking MMPI findings with treatment response to elucidate BPD pathophysiology.