Effects of Short-Term Intensive Hospital Psychotherapy on Youthful Drug Abusers: I. Preliminary MMPI Data

Abstract

Pre- and post-hospital treatment MMPI scores of 85 young substance abusers were compared. All patients participated 4 to 6 wk. in psychotherapy consisting of daily individual and group psychotherapy, meetings with drug counselors, psychodrama, supervised physical and academic activities, and some family therapy. Significant posttest reductions of scale scores ≥ 70 occurred on Scales P, D, Hs, Pd, Pa, Pt, and Sc, but not Ma. Number of other clinical scale scores ≥ 70 was quite low. Psychological testing accurately documented observed clinical changes in the patients noted by hospital personnel.