MMPI Patterns of Physically and Psychologically Dependent Drug Abusers

Abstract

Comparison of the MMPI profiles of psychologically dependent (N = 20) and physically dependent drug abusers indicated that as compared to control groups the former group were characterized by high anxiety scores and the latter group by low scores on the same MMPI scale. The MMPI subtest patterns also suggest that the major defense mechanisms of the psychologically dependent group were denial and repression whereas those of the physically dependent drug abusers were hypochondriacal and hypomanic in nature. Tentative evidence suggests that the former drug-abuse group tends to respond more favourably to psychotherapeutic intervention than does the latter group.

Medication‐Overuse Headache and Personality: A Controlled Study by Means of the MMPI‐2

“…Surprisingly, our MOH patients did not show any significant differences on the scales measuring dependence compared with patients with episodic headaches and healthy controls: MAC‐R (MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale‐Revised), Aas (Addiction Admission Scale), Aps (Addiction Potential Scale) did not discriminate between the 2 clinical samples. Different studies clearly showed the validity of MMPI‐2 “dependency” subscales in correctly discriminating substance abusers 33‐37 . So, rather than “true” addiction behavior, a different kind of “dependence” appears to characterize headache patients.…”

“…However, we do not know exactly if the problem is related to MMPI‐2 “per se,” or if the dependency in MOH shows different characteristics to be studied. Considering that the “dependency” subscales correctly distinguish substance abusers, 33‐37 we might hypothesize that rather than “true” addiction behavior, a different kind of “dependence” characterizes headache patients. We have to consider the strong impact of daily, persistent pain which becomes an important issue in the life of these patients.…”

“…Supplementary scales investigate broad personality characteristics, generalized emotional distress and behavioral dyscontrol which is closely related to dependence and possibly to medication overuse. In particular, 3 of them were specifically constructed to assess substance abuse problems 33‐37 : MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale‐Revised (Mac‐R); Addiction Admission Scale (Aas) and the Addiction Potential Scale (Aps), and they have proven to be particularly reliable in discriminating between abusers and nonabusers.…”

Clinical study on electroacupuncture for post-withdrawal anxiety-depression mood in heroin addicts

“…This indicated that the above two emotional disorders are associated with psychological dependence other than somatic dependence. It's believed that those with psychological dependence may have a higher anxiety score [1] . It's also believed that anxiety and depression can be related to personal frustration [5] .…”

“…More than 95% of heroin dependence cases may return to heroin within six months upon withdrawal. Relevant literature indicated that majority of these cases can experience depression and anxiety [1] , especially during or on the middle or later stages of withdrawal. They may present with Fund Item: National Natural Science Foundation of China (30271637) Author: MU Jing-ping (1975-), male, vice chief physician palpitations, difficulty breathing, panic, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, agitation, and low self-esteem or desperation.…”