| Previous research on the emotional sequelae of electrical injury (EI) has demonstrated similarities in emotional functioning in groups such a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and chronic pain (CP) (Wicklund et al., 2008). Psychiatric complaints most commonly reported include major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Kelley, Pliskin, Meyer, & Lee, 1994; Mancusi-Ungaro, Tarbox, & Wainwright, 1986). The present study is a replication and extension of Wicklund and colleagues' (2008) study utilizing the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008), a 338-item objective personality instrument, to characterize a psychological profile for patients who have experienced EI. The sample consisted of 41 EI patients who passed symptom validity testing. Their profiles were compared to 43 patients diagnosed with MTBI and 23 patients with clinical depression. Results indicated that EI patients demonstrated significant clinical elevations (T ≥ 65) on RC1, while RCd and RC2 approached clinical levels. Consistent with the original study, no statistically significant differences emerged between the EI and TBI groups. Results provide support for use of the MMPI-2-RF, however, a concern with the lack of differentiation of profiles between these two groups remain, and continues to be a challenge for clinicians working with EI patients. |
