The MMPI in Differentiating Early Multiple Sclerosis and Conversion Hysteria

Abstract
This study investigated the MMPI in differentiating early multiple sclerosis and conversion hysteria. The 13 basic MMPI scales, Hovey's “Index,” and Shaw and Matthew's Pseudo-neurological scale were used. Approximately 18,500 case files were examined to locate 14 early multiple sclerosis and 13 conversion hysteria cases. Longitudinal data were gathered to verify the diagnosis of each case. The MMPI data were obtained before a differential diagnosis could be made. A 2 × 13 analysis of variance indicated no difference between the two groups. Hovey's “Index” was also ineffective but Shaw and Matthew's P-N scale significantly differentiated the two groups. Further research in the use of the Shaw and Matthew's scale seems warranted.

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