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Posttraumatic stress disorder and the MCMI-II
P H Munley1, D S Bains, W D Bloem
1Psychology Service, VA Medical Center, Battle Creek, MI 49016, USA.
Psychological Reports
|June 1, 1995
Summary
This study examined personality profiles of veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) using the MCMI-II. While overall profiles didn't significantly differ from non-PTSD groups, specific scales showed variations, suggesting nuanced psychological characteristics in PTSD.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Veterans' Health
Background:
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health concern, particularly among veterans.
- Understanding the personality profiles associated with PTSD is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
- The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II (MCMI-II) is a tool used to assess personality traits and clinical syndromes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the MCMI-II profile characteristics of veterans diagnosed with PTSD.
- To compare the MCMI-II profiles of veterans with PTSD to a non-PTSD comparison group.
- To explore potential response-style biases in MCMI-II assessments for individuals with PTSD.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 39 veterans diagnosed with PTSD and a comparison group of 39 individuals without PTSD.
- Participants completed the MCMI-II, which assesses basic personality, pathological personality, and clinical syndrome scales.
- Statistical analyses included multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and univariate analyses of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni adjustment.
Main Results:
- The mean MCMI-II profile for the PTSD group showed elevations on Avoidant, Passive-Aggressive, Schizoid, Antisocial, Borderline, Schizotypal personality scales, and Anxiety, Dysthymia, Alcohol Dependence, Drug Dependence, and Major Depression clinical syndrome scales.
- A MANOVA comparing the PTSD and non-PTSD groups on overall MCMI-II scales was not statistically significant.
- Univariate analyses revealed significant differences between the groups on the Desirability and Histrionic scales.
Conclusions:
- While overall MCMI-II profiles did not significantly differentiate veterans with PTSD from a comparison group, specific scale differences were noted.
- The findings suggest that veterans with PTSD may exhibit particular personality traits and clinical syndromes, aligning with some existing literature.
- Response-style bias, such as desirability, should be considered when interpreting MCMI-II profiles in veterans with PTSD.