Absence of MCMI-III Scores - Cross-Examining Psych Doctors, Tip #100

     The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) is the most recent revision of that test.  It contains four scales capable of providing information about the validity of the test-taker’s responses.  The data from the four validity scales assess:  (1) “Validity” - Did the individual understand and attend to the content of the questions? (2) “Debasement” - Did the individual attempt to portray him or herself as having more troublesome emotional and personal difficulties than exist? (3) “Desirability” - Did the individual attempt to portray him or herself as being more morally virtuous, socially attractive and more emotionally well composed than they are? and, (4) “Disclosure” - Was the individual inclined to be frank and self-revealing or more likely to be secretive?  The MCMI-III is similar to the MMPI-2 in that the test can only be interpreted to provide information about the individual’s psychological status if their validity scale scores indicate they completed the test in an honest and straightforward manner.  However, when the doctor’s report lacks the actual MCMI-III scores the reader of their report does not know if the test-taker completed the test in an honest and straightforward manner or attempted to distort their true presentation.  Thus, when you encounter a psych report that is devoid of the patient’s MCMI-III validity scale scores, you should ask the psych doctor on cross-examination if there is anything in their report that would allow the reader of that document to confirm the conclusions they drew from the patient’s MCMI-III.