A comparison of three Rorschach diagnostic systems and use of the Hand Test for detecting multiple personality disorder in outpatients.
Eleven individuals diagnosed with multiple personality disorder (MPD) on the basis of clinical observation by experienced therapists plus elevated scores on the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES; Bernstein & Putnam, 1986) were administered the Rorschach Inkblot Test and the Hand Test. Results from the sample (n = 11) and a matched control group (N = 22) were analyzed and discussed in accordance with previous Rorschach diagnostic systems. The Wagner Signs diagnosed 91% (n = 10) of the MPD cases in this outpatient sample, with no false positives. The Labott Signs were found to have no utility, and the Barach Signs, when they occurred, seemed to be diagnostic of MPD but yielded a high rate of false negatives. Hand Test results were analyzed and found to be possibly diagnostic of MPD. Tentative criteria were proposed for its use as an additional tool for diagnosing MPD.
Young
G R
GR
Federal Correctional Institution, Ashland, KY.
Wagner
E E
EE
Finn
R F
RF
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D009105:Dissociative Identity Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011386:Projective Techniques; D012392:Rorschach Test