Examined utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) as a longitudinal predictor of psychosocial adaptation to cancer. A post hoc discriminant analysis revealed that 75% of all patients could have been correctly classified into a high-distressed v a low-distressed cancer patient group using only the MMPI. (Author)

A self-assessment survey instrument was developed to detect abuse of both alcohol and other drugs in patients using a large urban medical center. A high degree of patient acceptance is documented, contrary to expectations of many physicians. The instrument as an adjunct to the usual medical history is proposed. (Author)

Comments are offered on a recent article by Leonard on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) as a suicide predictor. Her appraisal of former studies and her consideration of the differences among individuals with different suicidal behaviors are critically evaluated. A response from Leonard follows. (Author/BEF)

To evaluate the Veterans Administration mental health services, a survey was conducted of staff opinion regarding the importance of several specific goals for these services. Goals dealing with development of patient skills necessary for self-support, elimination of psychological disorders, and protection of patients from violence received the…

Scores of specialized Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales (the Prejudice scale, the Ego-Strength scale, and the MacAndrew Alcoholism scale) were related to the scores of the standard MMPI scales. However, individual scores of the three specialized scales could not be accurately predicted from the standard scales. (Author/BEF)

The development of evaluative instruments to measure treatment outcomes in mental health has long been the exclusive function of the professional. Incongruent client-therapist perceptions of change suggests a new role for the client, as innovator in conceptualizing and designing self-report change measures. (Author)

Studied male psychiatric patients' social sensitivity and self-awareness in a human relations training program. The two variables were significantly related. Self- awareness was not related to group acceptance. Results indicate a decrease in patient's symptoms but not as a function of social sensitivity or self-awareness. (JAC)

Examines five considerations involved in decision for home death: (1) sources of moral support necessary for family; (2) kinds of professional aid available; (3) special equipment necessary; (4) necessary nursing skills; and (5) basic information about death. (Author)

A survey of U.S. pediatric training programs to determine the role of rules in the hospital admission of pediatric patients is reported. The results support the hypothesis that rules are a widely used teaching tool. The rules relate to such factors as fevers, age, specific diseases, administrative concerns, head traumas, and poisonings. (JMD)

Due to the increasing influence of the holistic health movement, health providers will increasingly be challenged to reexamine their roles in patient relationships, increase the extent of interdisciplinary teamwork, emphasize health education and positive health behaviors, examine the usefulness of various alternative therapies, and consider the…

Patients with harsh, pessimistic views about mental illness had more severe psychopathology and did less well over the period of follow-up. Expectation of medication was associated with lower education, greater severity of illness, lower satisfaction with treatment, greater frequency of dropping out of treatment, and less improvement. (Author)

Study examines background and performance characteristics of discharged mental hospital patients in an effort to predict readmissions. Results confirm complexity of the recidivism issue. Black, isolated males seem at greatest risk for readmission; Anglo females with family resources at least risk. (LAB)

Studied the use of mental health services by enrolled populations, in order to establish a model or predictor of utilization. Primary focus of utilization data has been patient characteristics; organizational variables, such as plan design and benefit packages, are also shown to affect utilization. (LAB)

Patients were classified into categories using Spitzer and Endicott's computer program for diagnosis. Analyses of variance using single and grouped scales and discriminant analyses predicting category membership suggested that narrow band categorization is better predicted by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory than is broad band…

Fee, sociodemographic, and provider characteristics contributed little unique variance to explaining the volume of services used. Clinical considerations were, as predicted, most important in explaining service utilization. Implications for national health insurance are also discussed, since public third-party reimbursement did not lead to…