Characteristics of the MMPI-2 Subgroups of Drug Dependents in Korea

Drug dependents are the clinically heterogeneous dependents. This study was to identify the subgroups and their personality and psychopathological features based on the cluster analysis of the MMPI-2 profiles of chronic drug dependents. These subgroups were compared on their characteristics of drug use, the MMPI-2 and the SCL-90-R scale scores. The MMPI-2 scale scores were compared between the subgroups of drug dependents and the group of schizophrenics in order to find out the influence of chronic drug use causing psychotic symptoms. There were found two types of the MMPI-2 subgroups. Type I had a spike on scale 4(Pd), whereas type II had a high-ranging and floating profile. The type I was named antisocial personalty tendency subgroup in that they were more defensive about their drug use, and had more anger and resistance. The type II was named psychopathology subgroup, who showed more somatic symptoms, persecutory ideas, emotions confusion, and lower tolerance for stress. Type I subgroup may benefit from motivational interviewing or motivational enhancement therapy that addresses their resistance and ambivalence to help them become more motivated to change. Type II subgroup may benefit from general psychological treatment programs that can address their serious mental health and addiction problems.