Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles in persons with or without low back pain. A 20-year follow-up study.

STUDY DESIGN: A general health survey including a cross-sectional study of 404 men and women aged 50 years who underwent follow-up evaluation at ages 60 and 70 years. OBJECTIVES: The participants completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory at age 50 and 60 years and were interviewed at age 60 and 70 years regarding low back pain experienced in the preceding 10 years. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory data in low back pain patients are derived mainly from selected materials. This study presents data from a general population and sheds light on the controversy: "What comes first--Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory changes or low back pain?". METHODS. Within the frame of a general health survey where the primary aim was to study cardiovascular risk factors, the participants completed a shortened Danish version of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory at age 50 and 60 years; low back pain data were collected at interviews at age 60 and 70 years, and this study focused on the Hypochondriasis-Depression-Hysteria scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. RESULTS: Presence of low back pain from ages 50 to 60 and from ages 60 to 70 years was associated with elevated Hypochondriasis-Depression-Hysteria scales at age 50 and 60 years. Profiles showing the "conversion-V" configuration were present with a history of low back pain, at the 50-year and 60-year Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory scores collected at age 50 years were not different between those who did report and those who did not report low back pain during the decade from 60 to 70 years, provided that they had not experienced low back pain during the period from age 50 to 60 years. CONCLUSIONS: Elevations of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Hypochondriasis-Depression-Hysteria scales were shown in persons with a history of low pack pain. The results indicated that low back pain is preceded by elevated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory scales was not supported.