MMPI-2 assessment of differential post-traumatic stress disorder patterns in combat veterans and sexual assault victims

This study compared MMPI-2 profiles and trauma-specific subscales of the MM PI-2 in groups of combat veterans and sexual assault victims. Analyses indi cated a trend toward externalizing symptomsfor combat veterans and internal izing symptomsfor sexual assault survivors. For diagnostic classification p urposes, rite PS scale was found to best differentiate post-traumatic stres s disorder (PTSD) cases from non-PTSD cases for the combat group, whereas t he F-2-8 standard decision rule best differentiated the sexual trauma group from comparisons. These results suggest that type of trauma experienced is a key variable in understanding the patient and dictates the need for diff erent therapeutic focuses. In addition, the results suggest that the MMPI-2 PTSD scales provide a reasonable classification of PTSD status.