Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory‐2 restructured form (MMPI‐2‐RF) scale score differences in bariatric surgery candidates diagnosed with binge eating disorder versus BMI‐matched controls

Objective Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is among the most common psychiatric disorders in bariatric surgery candidates. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2 Restructured Form (MMPI‐2‐RF) is a broadband, psychological test that includes measures of emotional and behavioral dysfunction, which have been associated with BED behaviors in bariatric surgery candidates; however these studies have lacked appropriate controls. In the current study, we compared MMPI‐2‐RF scale scores of bariatric surgery patients diagnosed with BED (BED+) with BMI‐matched controls without BED (BED–). Method Three‐hundred and seven BED+ participants (72.64% female and 67.87% Caucasian; mean BMI of 51.36 kg/m 2 [SD = 11.94]) were drawn from a large, database ( N = 1304). Three‐hundred and seven BED– participants were matched on BMI and demographics (72.64% female, 68.63% Caucasian, and mean BMI of 51.30 kg/m 2 [SD = 11.70]). Results The BED+ group scored significantly higher on measures of Demoralization, Low Positive Emotions, and Dysfunctional Negative Emotions and scored lower on measures of Antisocial Behaviors, reflecting behavioral constraint. Optimal T ‐Score cutoffs were below the traditional 65 T score for several MMPI‐2‐RF scales. MMPI‐2‐RF externalizing measures also added incrementally to differentiating between the groups beyond the Binge Eating Scale (BES). Discussion BED+ individuals produced greater elevations on a number of MMPI‐2‐RF internalizing scales and externalizing scales. Use of the test in conjunction with a clinical interview and other self‐report data can further aid the clinician in guiding patients to appropriate treatment to optimize outcome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:315–319)