The Keane PTSD Scale extracted from the MMPI: sensitivity and specificity with Vietnam veterans

J Trauma Stress. 1996 Jul;9(3):643-50. doi: 10.1007/BF02103673.

Abstract

A study was conducted to further investigate whether the Keane Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) can be employed as a separate instrument administered outside the context of the full MMPI. A group of Vietnam combat veterans with diagnosed PTSD and two comparison groups of veterans without PTSD (Vietnam combat and era veterans) were diagnosed by clinical interviews. Over 84% of the 64 veterans in the study were accurately classified by the Keane PTSD Scale into their original diagnostic groups. Excellent test sensitivity was demonstrated, with 90% of combat veterans with PTSD being properly classified by the Keane PTSD Scale when the recommended cutoff score of 30 was utilized. The clinical and research implications are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combat Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Combat Disorders / psychology
  • Humans
  • MMPI / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychometrics
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Veterans / psychology*
  • Vietnam