Using the MMPI to assess reported cognitive disturbances and somatization as a core feature of complex PTSD

J Trauma Dissociation. 2010;11(1):57-72. doi: 10.1080/15299730903318475.

Abstract

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) clinical scales as well as 4 sets of MMPI items known to be sensitive to neurological dysfunction (closed head injury, cerebrovascular disorder) were administered to survivors of childhood physical and/or sexual abuse and to non-abused adults. As predicted, relative to the comparison group of psychiatric patients, the abused participants scored significantly higher on Scale 8 (Schizophrenia) and on all 4 sets of items associated with neurological dysfunction. The results suggest that early abuse/trauma is associated with cognitive disturbances and somatization. Findings appear to support the conceptualization of these psychophysical experiences as a central part of what is often called "complex posttraumatic stress disorder." Limitations and suggestions for further study are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / statistics & numerical data
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Head Injuries, Closed / epidemiology
  • Head Injuries, Closed / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • MMPI*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatry / methods
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Somatoform Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Somatoform Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Somatoform Disorders / physiopathology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / physiopathology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Young Adult