Profile characteristics of the MPI-DLV clusters of pain patients

This article describes an investigation into whether there are differences among the four pain patient clusters from the Multidimensional Pain Inventory-Dutch Language Version (MPI-DLV) in terms of prescribed analgesic medication, level of intelligence, and other personality characteristics (MMPI). Dysfunctional patients were distinguished by a higher level of analgesic medication intake. Patients classified as Average were marked by a marginally significant higher level of intelligence. The personality profile of Interpersonally Distressed patients indicated an elevated neurotic triad and a tendency to a passive-aggressive personality structure. Patients classified as Dysfunctional and Average were marked by the so-called conversion-V. There were no elevated scales in the Adaptive Coper profile. Clinical implications are discussed.