Four year MMPI changes in abstinent and drinking alcoholics.

Alcoholic patients completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) while hospitalized for treatment and again after 4 years of follow-up. Those who remained abstinent and functioned well in the community for the 4-yr period were characterized during treatment by a significant elevation on the Depression (D) scale which decreased to normal ranges at follow-up. Those who continued to drink periodically over the 4-yr period had initial peaks on Psychopathy (Pd) and Hypomania (Ma) which were still elevated at follow-up. An intermediate group who were usually abstinent during the 4-yr period but had occasional relapses showed elevations on D and Pd during treatment with return to normal levels at follow-up.