Investigation of Clinical Diagnosis by Psychological Tests in PTSD Outpatients and Inpatients

Aims. The aim of this survey was to assess the diagnostic coordination level between psychiatric interviews and psychological tests. The validity of MMPI and severity of PTSD were also evaluated.Methods. The authors compared MMPI scores of 20 inpatients and 20 outpatients diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from semi structured PTSD clinical interviews. We also compared other clinical data and validity of MMPI and severity of PTSD in both groups.Results. Among the main symptoms and signs of PTSD, the scores of recurrent distressing dreams of event, hyperarousal and startled response, diminished interest and sleeping difficulties were higher in the inpatient group, and the scores of irritability, restricted range of emotions, flash backs, difficulty in concentration and physiological reactivity were higher in the outpatients. Except K-Hs and Ma scales, there were no significant differences in clinical and validity of MMPI between inpatients and outpatients.Conclusoin.The findings of this survey demonstrate coordination between clinical diagnosis and validity of MMPI.