Development and Initial Validation of Differential Diagnostic Indices for the MMPI-2-RF

Abstract

In this article, I discuss construction of a set of weighted indices for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) designed to provide direct guidance in three specific differential diagnostic problems. I created a calibration data set using a combined sample of mental health patients ( n = 2,043). Using the MMPI-2-RF’s Substantive Scales as a pool of potential predictors, I applied the lasso, a penalized regression technique, to derive three logistic regression equations differentiating three major diagnostic groups (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder) from one another. Then, I extracted empirically derived beta weights from these equations and used them to create composite differential diagnostic indices, which I scored in a separate holdout validation data set ( n = 873). The differential diagnostic indices performed well in the validation data set (schizophrenia vs. bipolar area under the curve [AUC] = .76; schizophrenia vs. major depression AUC = .90; bipolar vs. major depression AUC = .75). Moreover, they substantially outperformed any single existing MMPI-2-RF scale in the same differential diagnostic tasks. In addition to discussing the development and initial validation of these indices, I present methods for deriving clinically referenced standard scores and diagnostic classification probabilities for obtained raw index scores.

The altered network complexity of resting-state functional brain activity in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients

“…Recently, different features were employed for the classification of SZ and BD. Yan et al proposed a deep classification and clustering framework and applied it to fMRI time courses to determine psychiatric disorders (NC, SZ, and BD), the accuracy of a multi-class classification reached 46% [42]. Employing dynamic connectivity measures, Du et al attained 66% in the multi-group classification (NC vs. SZ vs .…”

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–3 (MMPI-3) assessment of bipolar spectrum disorders.

“…In addition to specific symptom measurement, research indicates that the MMPI-2-RF and MMPI-3 can be used to aid in the differential diagnosis of bipolar spectrum disorders versus other mood and thought disorders (Menton, 2022;Sellbom et al, 2012;C. Watson et al, 2011).…”

Construct validation of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐3 (MMPI‐3) scales relevant to the assessment of bipolar spectrum disorders

“…Sellbom et al (2012) used a sample that overlapped with the Watson et al (2011) sample, and they reported that ACT scores best distinguished those diagnosed with a bipolar spectrum disorder from those diagnosed with schizophrenia and differentiated those diagnosed with bipolar spectrum disorder from those with major depressive disorder. Menton (2022) created a set of weighted indices using MMPI‐2‐RF items intended to aid in differential diagnosis of bipolar, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorders. He reported that ACT scores best differentiated inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with bipolar disorder from those diagnosed with schizophrenia, and scores on Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction (EID), Demoralization (RCd), Low Positive Emotions (RC2), Malaise (MLS), Self‐Doubt (SFD), and Shyness (SHY) best differentiated those diagnosed with major depressive disorder from those diagnosed with bipolar disorder.…”