Using the MMPI to assess reported cognitive disturbances and somatization as a core feature of complex PTSD.
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.
Reinhard
Matthew J
MJ
War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. matthew.reinhard@va.gov
Wolf
Gregory
G
Cozolino
Louis
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008950:MMPI; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000379:methods; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult