Use and Misuse of the MMPI, a Reconsideration

Abstract

26 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients were compared to 26 nonMS control subjects using a “corrected MMPI” (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) in which items related to MS symptomatology were removed. Analysis showed that, when MS items were removed for Scales 1, 3, and 8, the scores were significantly reduced for both groups but more for the MS patients. Such results strongly suggest that the MMPI must be used with caution when applied to neurologically impaired persons. Various deletion strategies were then discussed as these related to the interpretation of the MMPI for MS patients. Since inclusion of MS-related items may spuriously elevate the profiles of the MS patients, the clinician may be misled in assuming pathology where there is none.