The MMPI-2 neurotic triad subscales and depression levels after pharmacological treatment in patients with depressive disorders - clinical study.

BACKGROUND Affective disorders provide for one third of the main causes of psychiatric inpatient care, both in male and female subjects. An early diagnosis of the disease with precise identification of the character of its particular symptoms are key important factors for the efficacy of treatment. The goal of the study was an identification of possible associations between scores of the neurotic triad in the MMPI-2 test (hypochondria - Hs, depression - D, hysteria - Hy), evaluated at initial hospitalization period with remission degree assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), following eight weeks of treatment with SSRI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A group of 50 subjects took part in the study. The MMPI-2 test and HDRS were used in the study. The HDRS was performed at the therapy onset and reapplied after 8 weeks of its continuation. The MMPI-2 test was applied at the beginning of treatment. RESULTS Higher scores in Hs (p=0.007), D (p=0.021) and Hy scales (p=0.001) are associated with the higher degree of depression, measured by the HDRS at the therapy onset. The highest performance in Hs scale (p=0.003) and Hy scale (p=0.001) evaluated on admission, was associated with the highest depression level after pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSION The higher the degree of hypochondria and hysteria symptoms, measured by the MMPI-2 test at the onset of therapy in patients with depressive disorders, the higher severity of depression is being found after 8 weeks of therapy with SSRI agents, measured by the HDRS scale.