MMPI, personality dysfunction and the dexamethasone suppression test in major depression.

In this study we examined the relationship of psychopathology and personality dysfunction to neuroendocrine functioning. MMPI profiles were examined for 30 psychiatric inpatients with major depression who were suppressors (60%) and nonsuppressors (40%) on the dexamethasone suppression test. There were no differences between suppressors and nonsuppressors on any of the MMPI scales or on DSM-III Axis-II diagnosis. When subdivided according to T-score elevations above 70 on MMPI scales 4 and 6, or 4 and 9, 30% of the sample, however, met criteria for personality dysfunction. Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of suppressors (50%) evidenced personality dysfunction than did the nonsuppressors (8%). This suggests that certain MMPI scales are able to identify a subgroup of depressed patients with personality disturbances who also have a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysfunction.