Differential sensitivity of the MMPI-2 depression scales and subscales

The MMPI-2 was administered to 122 psychiatric inpatients (62 female, 60 male, mean age 37 years). The various MMPI-2 depression scales and subscales were examined to compare their relative sensitivity. Using the 65T cut-off, scales DEP and D identified approximately 60% and 62%, respectively, as suffering depressotypal symptoms. Using a 70T cut-off, scales D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D-Obvious, and D-Subtle identified 53%, 24%, 37%, 57%, 45%, 53%, and 3%, respectively, as suffering depressotypal symptoms. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for clinical practice.