The utility of the MCMI as a DSM-III Axis I diagnostic tool

J Clin Psychol. 1988 Nov;44(6):867-75. doi: 10.1002/1097-4679(198811)44:6<867::aid-jclp2270440606>3.0.co;2-p.

Abstract

The present study examined the utility of the MCMI as a provider of DSM-III Axis I diagnostic hypotheses with a heterogeneous psychiatric inpatient population. Participants represented 31 consecutive referrals made to the psychology department for a clinical and/or diagnostic assessment from a psychiatric rehabilitation unit. Three independent diagnoses derived from the MCMI, a structured interview (DIS), and an unstructured psychiatric interview were obtained for each participant. The percentage agreement between the two criterion diagnoses was 54.8%. Agreement between the MCMI and criterion diagnoses was, at best, 15% for those cases that had an Axis I diagnosis. These findings are in keeping with past research and support the contention that the MCMI is not a useful tool in generating clinically correct or meaningful DSM-III Axis I diagnostic hypotheses.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Inventory*
  • Psychiatric Department, Hospital
  • Psychometrics
  • Referral and Consultation