The utility of the MMPI-3 in predicting substance use related problems in a clinical neuropsychology sample

Abstract

Assessing for problematic substance use in neuropsychological assessments is crucial for differential diagnosis and attribution of symptom causes. The current investigation examines the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3 in predicting such substance use in a clinical neuropsychology sample. Participants included 208 outpatient neuropsychological examinees. Correlations and risk ratios were calculated for externalizing-psychopathology-related scales and external substance use criteria. Hierarchical regressions examined the incremental prediction of criteria by MMPI-3 externalizing scales above the Substance Abuse (SUB) scale. Results indicate that MMPI-3 externalizing scales are associated with substance-use-related criteria as conceptually expected. Additionally, we report significantly increased risk of experiencing substance-use-related problems at various T score elevations on multiple externalizing scales. Finally, SUB served as the primary predictor of substance-use-related criteria. These findings support the ability of the MMPI-3 to assess for past or current substance use and negative consequences of substance use in a clinical neuropsychology setting.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• MMPI-3
• neuropsychology
• risk
• substance use

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank the late Dr. Jody Pickle for allowing data collection to occur at her practice.

Ethical approval

This study was approved by the Kent State University Institutional Review Board, Approval Number 17-238.

Disclosure statement

Yossef Ben-Porath receives research funding from the MMPI-3 test publisher, the University of Minnesota Press. As coauthor of the MMPI-3, he receives royalties on sales of the test.

Additional information

Funding

This work was grant-funded by the University of Minnesota Press.