DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY OF THE MCMI-I AND MCMI-II WITH PSYCHIATRIC OUTPATIENTS

Research indicates that the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI -I) lacks diagnostic accuracy when compared to clinically generated DS M-III-R diagnoses. This shortcoming is most evident for the identifica tion of psychotic disorders. The MCMI-II was designed to reflect more accurately the DSM-III-R diagnostic formulation, but its diagnostic ef ficacy has yet to be determined with clinical samples. In the present investigation, two consecutive samples of psychiatric patients who wer e attending an outpatient day treatment program were administered eith er the MCMI-I (N = 39) or the MCMI-II (N = 37). MCMI diagnoses were co mpared with clinician-generated DSM-III-R diagnoses. Relative to clini cal judgment, both versions of the MCMI underestimated the incidence o f psychotic disorders and overestimated the incidence of nonpsychotic disorders and personality disorders.