title: MMPI, personality dysfunction and the dexamethasone suppression test in major depression.
abstract: In this study we examined the relationship of psychopathology and personality dysfunction to neuroendocrine functioning. MMPI profiles were examined for 30 psychiatric inpatients with major depression who were suppressors (60%) and nonsuppressors (40%) on the dexamethasone suppression test. There were no differences between suppressors and nonsuppressors on any of the MMPI scales or on DSM-III Axis-II diagnosis. When subdivided according to T-score elevations above 70 on MMPI scales 4 and 6, or 4 and 9, 30% of the sample, however, met criteria for personality dysfunction. Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of suppressors (50%) evidenced personality dysfunction than did the nonsuppressors (8%). This suggests that certain MMPI scales are able to identify a subgroup of depressed patients with personality disturbances who also have a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysfunction.
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Keitner
authors.forename: I W
authors.initials: IW
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008950:MMPI; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011594:Psychometrics; D011599:Psychopathology
chemical_list: D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone