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Name: Adolescent Sample Age: 16 Sex: M Referred By: You Interpret Date: 5/7/99 Test Date: 4/21/99 PHONE (800) 588-9412 FAX (608) 756-5840 MINNESOTA MULTIPHASIC PERSONALITY INVENTORY - ADOLESCENT REPORT To aid in diagnosis and treatment planning, Mr. Sample was administered the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - Adolescent. The following test findings are based on Mr. Sample's responses to a widely used standardized psychological test. As with all such tests, the validity of test results is limited by Mr. Sample's honesty and self-awareness. The following report should be taken as generalized probability statements that are made without benefit of clinical interview or history. Further clinical verification is needed to assist in the interpretation of test findings in light of Mr. Sample's unique history and present circumstances. Since the MMPI-A is a complicated test with multiple scales that measure similar constructs, at times inconsistencies in test results may occur due to Mr. Sample's different elevations on similar scales. When this occurs, clinical investigation to evaluate his true status is suggested. As the following Psychological Test results were designed primarily for Diagnosis and Treatment Planning purposes, the findings below focus on problems, deficits and pathology and may de-emphasize Mr. Sample's strengths. Because of this, use without collaboration, other than for the Clinical screening purpose for which they are intended, may be misleading. The following is a CONFIDENTIAL REPORT meant for qualified Mental Health, Correctional and Substance Abuse professionals. While feedback of test findings to clients is highly encouraged and should be an integral part of therapy and treatment planning, clients should not be given copies of this report as they are likely to misunderstand report contents and their tentative nature. INTELLECTUAL FUNCTIONING Mr. Sample is not reflective or thoughtful which can limit insight and judgment. He does not try to understand the world in cognitive, rational ways. Mr. Sample's use of repression and denial may lead to a lack of cognitive processing. Mr. Sample is an emotionally oriented individual who reacts to situations based primarily on his feelings rather than on a rational analysis. Concentration difficulties are probable with Mr. Sample being distractible, preoccupied, and inattentive. This may cause Mr. Sample to miss important cues which may reduce judgment and coping. Mr. Sample is likely to be overly abstract in his thinking due to personality factors that predispose him to overly focus on general trends and miss details. Mr. Sample does not like clear-cut situations, instead preferring ambiguity. Due to a lack of self-confidence, Mr. Sample may be indecisive and have problems with decision-making. Due to his cognitive style, Mr. Sample may have severe difficulty learning by experience and may repeatedly make the same mistakes. Mr. Sample's rate of thought may be slow to the point of cognitive inefficiency. A moderate degree of obsessive ruminations and an over focus on problems and worries can interfere with cognitive efficiency. Mr. Sample does not report subjectively experiencing cognitive inefficiency. Thinking is goal-directed and orderly without significant mental confusion. Mr. Sample does not report having ego alien ideas that distress him. VALIDITY OF TEST RESULTS In completing the MMPI-A, Mr. Sample answered almost all test questions. Mr. Sample's test response pattern indicates severe efforts to present himself in an unrealistically positive light. He denied having even common human faults to the point that test results may be invalid. His true level of problems is likely to be significantly more than what is described below, as Mr. Sample depicted himself as overly virtuous, scrupulous, conforming, and self-controlled. Such responding is either a direct attempt to "fake good" on testing or indicates a severe lack of awareness and insight. This response set may reflect the use of rigid repression, naiveté, denial of unfavorable traits in order to look good, below average intelligence and/or education, strict moral principles, and/or socioeconomic/cultural deprivation. An all false response set may also be present. Mr. Sample made significant attempts to present himself as an adequate individual who does not have problems, as a strong sophisticated "fake good" minimization of problems was evident in testing. He has difficulty acknowledging problems and is defensive. Mr. Sample's level of defensiveness makes the findings below of questionable validity as his true problems are likely to be more extensive and of higher intensity than the way Mr. Sample described himself in testing. Despite these tendencies to portray himself in a positive light, mild tendencies were also present for Mr. Sample to focus on and exaggerate pathology as a "fake bad" response set also was found. While he may deny faults to others, Mr. Sample may also subjectively focus on and exaggerate his problems. This response set may affect the validity of the following test findings, though such a response may reflect feelings of being overwhelmed by his problems, chronic atypical thought patterns, and/or a compulsive need to be frank. In the beginning of the MMPI-A, Mr. Sample mildly over emphasized pathology which would primarily elevate basic scale. Mr. Sample mildly over emphasized pathology in later portions of the MMPI-A which would primarily increase Content and Supplementary scales. "Fake good" tendencies were moderately stronger than "fake bad" tendencies. Mr. Sample was consistent in answering test questions similarly throughout the test which enhances the probable validity of the test findings given below. EMOTIONAL FUNCTIONING In testing, Mr. Sample reports significant levels of depression that may be of clinical significance. Many subjective feelings of sadness and dejection exist, as Mr. Sample feels hopeless, helpless, and discouraged. This level of depression may be due to situational factors, may indicate Dysthymia or may show an adjustment to a chronic long-term clinical Depression that the person has in part learned to live with. Mild to moderate physical symptoms/signs of depression are endorsed which are suggestive of a Major Depression. Mr. Sample denies good health and has a wide variety of somatic complaints. Mr. Sample's level of true depression is significantly less than what he subjectively experiences as he overly focuses on feelings. Severe subjective depression is noted with Mr. Sample being extremely despondent. Severe Dysthymic character features exist, as Mr. Sample is a pessimistic individual who looks for the worst in situations. Chronic psychological signs of depression such as lack of pleasure, negativism and feelings of helpless and hopelessness are likely. He may be very pessimistic and make many negative self-statements. No indications of present anxiety were seen in testing. Mr. Sample did not depict himself as overly sensitive to environmental pressures or stress. Mr. Sample's anxiety is in line with his subjective experience. Average levels of subjective anxiety and nervousness are reported. Moderate to severe levels of anger are reported, as Mr. Sample is an irritable, easily annoyed individual who often is sullen and resentful. Hostile responses are easily provoked and may be one of Mr. Sample's prime means of coping. Mr. Sample's level of anger is significantly less than what he reports subjectively experiencing, as he tends to overly focus on anger. Mr. Sample is now experiencing above average levels of subjective anger. He has little difficulty dealing with hostile and aggressive feelings and does not try to repress them. He reacts with anger to a normal degree. Mr. Sample has significant problems controlling his anger once evoked. While generally out of touch with underlying feelings due to strong defense mechanisms, Mr. Sample is presently experiencing strong feelings that can lead to impulsive behavior with little insight or awareness. Mr. Sample can accept and deal with his own feelings and does not see them as strange or foreign to himself. Impulse control appears adequate with his behavior generally being deliberate. Mr. Sample has the ability to think and plan before acting, though at times he may choose not to do so, especially under stress. Mr. Sample subjectively feels able to control his impulses and is not overly concerned acting out on them. Mr. Sample's reported energy level is low to the point where initiation and behavioral follow-through may suffer. He can be slow, listlessness, apathetic and lacking in drive. While he may have enough ability to accomplish goals, his lack of motivation/energy may interfere with task completion. This may lead to negative consequences that foster increased withdrawal and lack of effort. Depression, withdrawal from substances, and other medical causes of decreased energy need to be ruled out. Psychomotor hyperactivity was not described. Moderate psychomotor retardation is reported with slow speech, thought, and/or motor activity possible. ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE The MMPI-A reveals significant addiction proneness and possible substance use. Mr. Sample tends to be extroverted, sensation seeking, and impulsive which may lead to acting out behavior including substance use. Further evaluation for possible alcohol and drug use is indicated. In this test, Mr. Sample does acknowledge having severe substance use-related symptoms and attitudes. SOMATIC FUNCTIONING Current somatic concerns on a wide variety of physical problems are reported which may indicate an over concern about his physical condition. Physical complaints (often are without a clear organic basis) are probable as Mr. Sample reports a broad range of physical symptoms that may include intake, elimination and aches and visceral pains. A history of physical symptoms, most of which are vague, and a preoccupation about bodily functioning is probable. Mr. Sample overly focuses on minor illnesses which causes more concern than would be expected in most persons. Such scores may also reflect true physical problems that need to be clinically ruled out. Symptoms may be stress-related. When physical problems exist, an exaggeration of symptoms is probable. He now feels significantly below par mentally and physically. A severe tendency for psychosomatic problems to develop under stress exists. Often these symptoms are used for secondary gain such as to avoid responsibility. When confronted on this, Mr. Sample may become hostile and feel persecuted. Repression can lead to Conversion symptoms. Due to current low levels of stress and/or stress proneness, present stress-related somatic complaints are not probable even if overall tendencies to somatize exist. Somatic problems may be used to indirectly express anger or to manipulate others. Many secondary gains are likely as Mr. Sample uses physical complaints to vent feelings, escape responsibility and to control others with little awareness. INTERPERSONAL FUNCTIONING Mr. Sample is introverted and tends to be more comfortable when he is alone. An attachment deficit may exist as Mr. Sample describes engaging in significant avoidance and interpersonal withdrawal. Much social withdrawal exists as he actively avoids being with others. Social withdrawal secondary to Mr. Sample's depression may occur as he may have lost interest in daily activities and have low energy. A very high level of social discomfort and anxiety exists. Mr. Sample reports average levels of social confidence. He subjectively feels an average ability to effectively relate to and deal with others. He feels exceptionally isolated and alienated from others. Mr. Sample believes that people misunderstand him and does not believe that people will help or assist him. Mr. Sample's self-centeredness and/or grandiosity severely limits his sense of empathy. Extreme needs for love and affection exist where Mr. Sample does almost any thing to get love. Such needs may be extremely difficult to fill resulting in a high level of frustration. Codependent relationships are likely. Mr. Sample's level of suspiciousness and/or social withdraw may interfere with Mr. Sample's ability to meet his needs for love. He feels a need to be mildly dependent on others, though he can at times be independent. Mr. Sample feels he has an average ability to develop rapport and intimacy, as he does not feel he is different from others. He feels misunderstood by others. A mild level of being over sensitive to and vigilant of others was described. Mr. Sample can blame others for his problems and generally sees the world as threatening and unfair. He expects others to be exceedingly untrustworthy, devious and act out for personal profit. He constantly expects others to lie, cheat, and manipulate to gain advantage. At times Mr. Sample can be self-righteous and moralistic. He has occasional hostile feelings when others do not live up to his expectations. Mr. Sample's relationships tend to be stormy and conflictual. He has difficulty maintaining a long-term relationship. Multiple family problems are reported with Mr. Sample feeling exceptionally unloved and unsupported by his family. Dysfunctional, conflictual relationships and severe anger are probable. Mr. Sample reports having unproductive school attitudes and behaviors that may interfere with school performance and leave him feeling unable to perform at his school. Mr. Sample grossly lacks having educational and life objectives to guide him. He is not motivated to achieve which hurts performance. Frustration tolerance and persistence are extremely poor. SELF IMAGE He is an extremely immature, self-centered individual who has poor frustration tolerance and is prone to acting out. Mr. Sample blames others for his problems and has difficulty seeing his role in setting up problems. Insight and judgment are very limited, as Mr. Sample's thinking is concrete and unelaborated. Mr. Sample feels an average ability to cope with his problems without withdrawing into fantasy. Mr. Sample usually does not care what others think of him. He has an extremely poor self-esteem and feels unattractive and useless. Mr. Sample easily feels rejected as he projects his own feelings of being unattractive and useless. Lowered self-esteem and feelings of being incompetent, uselessness and inadequate may in part be secondary to depression. Mr. Sample feels very uncomfortable and unhappy with himself. Extreme guilt and regret are reported. Mr. Sample appraises his own abilities as average. Mr. Sample subjectively identifies himself as having as having Average levels of antisocial values and past antisocial acting out. He is not likely to be impulsive, have difficulty with authority figures and act out in defiance of social rules. He accepts authority and social standards. Mr. Sample does not justify that his ends justifies any means. He does not act opportunistically in his dealing with others. DEFENSES Somatization Conversion Symptoms Repression Denial Displacement PERSONALITY DYNAMICS Mr. Sample is a cynical, pessimistic, demanding individual who can be self-centered and complaining. Numerous somatic complaints including insomnia, pain, fatigue, GI difficulties and headaches are common with Conversion symptoms possible as Mr. Sample tends to convert his psychological difficulties into physical problems. Despite making many somatic complaints, Mr. Sample may show inappropriate affect and act indifferent to these problems. Physical symptoms may be used in a manipulative way. He attempts to charm people into taking care of him. He feels easily defeated, does not see ways to improve his own life and is rarely satisfied. He is a passive, highly dependent individual who is psychologically naive. Insight is poor as somatization and denial keep Mr. Sample from acknowledging his emotional problems. Mr. Sample can be self-centered, childish, and immature. While extroverted and engaging in many attention-seeking behaviors, his relations with others tend to be superficial despite him strong underlying dependency needs that may be hard for Mr. Sample to fill. His behavior tends to be based more on emotional reactions than on rational analysis. He often makes poor choices in friends and spouses; most relationships are stormy and result in little real or durable attachment. He adopts a seductive, flirtatious, sexually provocative stance to seek help, not sexual gratification. He is quite manipulative and unassertive. He may be very pessimistic and have many negative self-statements. Mr. Sample is likely to be slow and cautious, and often has trouble initiating actions. A lack of persistence and follow through is to be expected. Lowered self-esteem and feelings of incompetence, uselessness and inadequacy are probable. Repressed negative feelings can build until he dramatically overreacts to minor problems. When repression fails, Mr. Sample's exaggerated and changeable feelings can result in wild acting out. Mr. Sample is easily bored and may create chaos out of his excessive need for excitement and external stimulation. SECONDARY MMPI-A SCALE ELEVATIONS FURTHER SUGGEST THAT Mr. Sample is: Is easily depressed and has negative thought patterns. He may be very pessimistic and make many negative self-statements. Mr. Sample is likely to be slow and cautious, with him often having trouble initiating actions. A lack of persistence and follow through is to be expected. Lowered self-esteem and feelings of incompetence, uselessness and inadequacy are likely. Is introverted, interpersonally aloof, shy and easily embarrassed in social situations. DIAGNOSTIC CONSIDERATIONS RULE OUT AXIS I Dysthymia Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood AXIS II WHILE UNDER THE AGE OF 18, MMPI-A TESTING SUGGESTS THAT THE FOLLOWING PERSONALITY FACTORS MAY BE AT PLAY: POSSIBLE PRIMARY FEATURES Histrionic features POSSIBLE SECONDARY PERSONALITY PATTERNS Schizoid features TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Based on Mr. Sample's self-report, the following corrective treatment approaches are recommended. Care should be taken to ensure that these suggestions match Mr. Sample's clinical presentation and history. If test invalidity indicators have been raised (see validity section), these recommendations may not reflect Mr. Sample's true clinical needs. DUE TO SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF DEPRESSION REPORTED, CLINICAL INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE SUICIDAL IDEATION SHOULD OCCUR WITH NECESSARY INTERVENTIONS TAKEN. DUE TO SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF AGGRESSION REPORTED, CLINICAL INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE HOMICIDAL IDEATION SHOULD OCCUR WITH NECESSARY INTERVENTIONS TAKEN. PSYCHIATRIC REFERRAL FOR EVALUATION FOR PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS IS WARRANTED INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPE(S) OF MEDICATION FOR: ANTIDEPRESSANTS ANTIANGER Behavioral techniques such as discrete target behaviors and immediate consequences are suggested to teach Mr. Sample to take responsibility for his actions as he does not connect actions with his consequences. Need for consistency and clarity are all important with Mr. Sample not allowed to talk his way out of consequences. Rationalizing and intellectualizing must be challenged as Mr. Sample needs to learn that what he does is much more important than his reasons and intentions. Mr. Sample needs to learn more direct ways to deal with his feelings and to gain attention than through somatic problems. Do not let Mr. Sample's somatic concerns lead to avoidance. Use of praise and positive reinforcement is particularly useful as Mr. Sample is more likely to change his behaviors in order to receive praise than he would be to avoid punishment. Unless negative feedback is couched in carefrontational ways, Mr. Sample will ignore and discount it as criticism. Extensive value adjustment work is necessary as Mr. Sample lacks knowledge of normal societal conventions. He must be taught what acceptable social standards are through educational and Cognitive Behavioral approaches. Insight-oriented technique may help Mr. Sample understand and deal with troubling Family of Origin issues as much maladaptive behavior is in part based on emotional conflicts rooted in his past. Insight-oriented techniques should be used to help him resolve underlying emotional conflicts and habitual self-defeating behavior patterns. As Mr. Sample blames others for his problems, therapists should encourage him to be responsible and accountable for his actions and not allow him to fall into Victimstance. Variables: MMPI-A CLINICAL SCALES: QUES - 3 L - 80 F - 64 F1 - 62 F2 - 58 K - 72 TRIN - 50 TF - 1 VRIN - 55 HS - 74 D - 67 HY - 75 PD - 46 MF - 63 PA - 62 PT - 47 SC - 58 MA - 38 SI - 67 MMPI-A HARRIS LINGOES SUBSCALES: D1 - 78 D2 - 65 D3 - 60 D4 - 55 D5 - 62 HY1 - 78 HY2 - 76 HY3 - 73 HY4 - 72 HY5 - 5 PD1 - 66 PD2 - 58 PD3 - 44 PD4 - 68 PD5 - 78 PA1 - 63 PA2 - 65 PA3 - 64 SC1 - 55 SC2 - 59 SC3 - 51 SC4 - 58 SC5 - 52 SC6 - 65 MA1 - 32 MA2 - 45 MA3 - 65 MA4 - 55 SI1 - 68 SI2 - 72 SI3 - 58 MMPI-A SUPPLEMENTARY SCALES: A - 45 R - 35 IMM - 75 MACR - 68 PRO - 58 ACK - 85 MMPI-A CONTENT SCALES: ANX - 55 OBS - 23 DEP - 78 HEA - 65 ALN - 88 BIZ - 52 ANG - 66 CYN - 75 CON - 55 LSE - 75 LAS - 77 SOD - 85 FAM - 85 SCH - 73 TRT - 35 SEX - M |
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