Scores on the MacAndrew Alcoholism scale (MAC) were examined within specific Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) codetypes in three large samples: psychiatric inpatients and outpatients, medical outpatients referred for a psychiatric evaluation, and alcoholic inpatients. Mean MAC scores varied drastically as a function of MMPI codetype, gender, and the specific setting in which the MMPI was administered. These large variations in MAC scores suggest that the use of a single cutting score, typically a raw score of 24 or higher, may be inappropriate. Clinicians are cautioned about using the MAC to identify persons who abuse substances without considering the potential effects of MMPI codetype, gender, and the setting in which the MMPI is administered.
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