MMPI profiles and post-traumatic symptomatology in former prisoners of war

Results of this study found that prisoners of war (POWs) tend to produce a basic 1, 2, 3 (Hs, D, Hy) configuration on the MMPI which has also been found in other studies. Significant differences were found for different subgroupings on specific scales, but the same basic, 1, 2, 3 configuration was maintained for all groups. Subjects were found to display considerable PTSD symptomatology as depicted by independent psychiatric interviews and performance on an Impact of Events Scale (IES). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms were also found to dissipate over time. Results are discussed in reference to the possible use of somatization as a means of handling stress and how the manifestation of PTSD in this population differ from that seen in Vietnam combat veterans suffering from PTSD.