Impact of Cognitive Function on MMPI-2 Validity in Neurologically Impaired Patients

Abstract

The Wechsler Memory Scale—Revised (WMS-R), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Invcntory-2 (MMPI-2) were completed by 88 outpatients at a neuropsychology clinic who had diagnoses of central nervous system dysfunction. Extent of IQ, memory, or attention impairment were associated with elevations on MMPI-2 validity scales. Magnitude of estimated IQ loss separated valid from invalid profile groups more clearly than did obtained Full Scale IQ. Nonresponsivity to item content is probable when the patient scores below 70 on the WMS-R Memory or Attention/Concentration indexes, or earns a WAIS-R IQ that falls 20 points or more below expected premorbid level. These effects appear to be relatively independent of the patient's measured reading or intellectual levels. The MMPI-2 appears to provide valid information about the emotional status of patients with moderate and mild neurocognitive impairment.