Ask Pat

How can the MMPI Test test someone reliably?

Q)I recently hospitalized myself for Depression. I have taken meds for years because I have major depressive disorder. My Doctors have been changing my med. around on me constantly and they finally found a good combination. While my old med. Were failing me and I was in the hospital, I learned that I might have more than just MDD. My therapist, psychiatrist etc. want me to take the MMPI. I am scheduled to take it when I return from spring break. I want to take it because I want to find out what is wrong with me so that my symptoms can be treated. I was wondering if the test would be completely valid or helpful for someone like me since the meds. are working and I am not in a depressive state right now? How can it test someone reliably when they have mood swings constantly?

A)

The MMPI is a psychological test that assesses how an individual thinks, feels, and acts both currently as well as in the past. Test takers notice that some of the questions tap what is going on in one's current situation while a number of questions survey earlier life experiences. Therefore, the MMPI is designed to reveal information about whether an individual is depressed now and/or has been depressed in the past. As you are aware, medication intervention is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat depression. I am glad to hear that you have finally found a medication regimen that works for you. While no psychological test can claim to be "completely valid," your therapist will take into account the MMPI's track record of validity and reliability in trying to understand what your responses mean. Also, the qualified professional who reviews the test results with you will take into account your individual circumstances and experiences in interpreting those results. Since you indicated that your moods are quite changeable, perhaps even while you are on medication, I recommend you make note of your mood at the time you take the MMPI and your attitude toward the testing so that you can provide this helpful information to the professional who interprets your results. When you are reviewing the results, I encourage you to ask any questions you have and participate actively in trying to understand how the results might help you.