Use of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory to Evaluate Post Tra

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) frequently headlines newspapers and newscasts across America. Veterans fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan return to a life they left but inside they are tormented with flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, anger, and depression. Many people suffer from PTSD after experiencing traumatic events in his or her life. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) is chosen for the basis of this assignment to evaluate someone who exhibits symptoms of PTSD. Sometimes the symptoms of PTSD are exaggerated or faked. The basic characteristics and the purpose of this tool will be discussed as well as how the tool is used. An analysis of the MMPI-2 will reveal the relationship between MMPI-2 and a major theory of personality. After identifying the psychometric properties for PTSD populations, the question of the adequacy of MMPI-2 will be answered by reviewing literature. Last ethical considerations will be analyzed. Selection of instrument, characteristics, uses and purposes PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder resulting from experiencing a traumatic event in life. The person will relive or re-experience the event through flashbacks, nightmares and fear-evoking memories. Some report being hyperaware or constantly aroused, expecting the event to happen again. Soldiers comment on falling to the ground at a loud bang, constantly surveying the area around them, having an exaggerated startle response. Many do not talk about his or her experience; have sleep problems, anger issues, and trouble concentrating. Abuse of alcohol and drugs is common to try to deal with the anguish inside (PTSD Support Services, 2010). The MMPI-2 consists of 567 true and false questions taking 60 to 90 minutes to complete. A shor... ...ive for posttraumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injury. Psychological Assessment, 23(1), 203-214. doi:10.1037/a0021339 Garcia, H. A., Kelley, L. P., Rentz, T. O., & Lee, S. (2011). Pretreatment predictors of dropout from cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD in Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. Psychological Services, 8(1), 1-11. doi:10.1037/a0022705 Efendov, A. A., Sellbom, M., & Bagby, R. (2008). The utility and comparative incremental validity of the MMPI-2 and Trauma symptom Inventory validity scales in the detection of feigned PTSD. Psychological Assessment, 20(4), 317-326. doi:10.1037/a0013870 Tolin, D. F., Steenkamp, M. M., Marx, B. P., & Litz, B. T. (2010). Detecting symptom exaggeration in combat veterans using the MMPI–2 symptom validity scales: A mixed group validation. Psychological Assessment, 22(4), 729-736. doi:10.1037/a0020973