Subtlety of the MMPI—2 Depression Scale: A subject laid to rest?

This study was designed to examine the relative validity of the Wiener-Harmon Depression-Obvious (D-O) and Depression-Subtle (D-S) subscales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2. With samples of psychiatric outpatients classified as depressed (n?=?31) and nondepressed (n?=?44) on the basis of extensive diagnostic interviews, criterion validity was supported for overall Scale 2 scores, as well as those based on the D-O subscale. Concurrent validity was upheld when Scale 2 and the D-O subscale were compared with a standard criterion indicator of depression. Results failed to support the validity of the D-S subscale as a measure of depression in psychiatric outpatients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)