Question:
Has anyone been denied based on high MMPI test scores?

I was diagnosed years ago with bipolar and have been on and off medication (mostly off) and I feel that I may have been wrongly diagnosed. I took the psych eval MMPI and scored high, which I was told indicated that I was evasive and untruthful. I feel that this was completely an incorrect evaluation of me. The psychologist only spoke with me for about 15 minutes and said she couldn't say for sure whether I would do well but that bipolar patients don't normally fair well. This all went to my insurance company and I'm waiting to hear. I'm so afraid that I will be denied because of all this. I'm feeling very misunderstood.    — Laura A. (posted on April 17, 2003)

April 17, 2003
The psych doc who approves all of us says its sometimes necessary to be on meds and controlled. He denies people for alcolholcism, illegal drug addiction and hanibal lectuer multi personality disorders. Hoipefully your not any of those.
   — bob-haller

April 17, 2003
I always wondered how just answering a bunch of stupid questions could lead to anyone knowing anything about me. After taking the MMPI, the results indicated that I had tended to answer the questions in a way that painted a better picture of myself than is true. And you know what? I probably did. I was feeling good that day, and answered questions based on my optimism, but not on how I feel other times. How the test picked that up, I have no idea. Luckily it was a minor thing. The error rate is really low, though.
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 17, 2003
If you don't score well on the mmpi usually they will just recommend therapy prior to surgery and after surgery.
   — jennifer A.

April 17, 2003
My scores told them I was mildly depressed and anxious. Well DUH, I have been seeing a psychologist AND a therapist and taking meds for both for over 8 yrs,,,,The psychologist that gave me the test just had me promise to keep up my therapy and see my regular psych as needed after surgery and he would go ahead and approve me. So I did promise and I did get my approval. I ran into my therapist not long after (not at her office) and told her about my surgery...she is thrilled for me as this was a major issue for the past yr or so for me. Don't give up if you get the denial.....keep trying. Get back on the meds if you have to and see your own therapist what ever it takes. Good luck. Jamie
   — Jamie M.

April 17, 2003
When you say you've been mostly off meds, is that by choice, because you dont' need them or because you're not in compliance? If it's lack of compliance it could be a problem but like a previous poster said, go back on meds, go to therapy, do what it takes. In other words, show them that bipolar will not be a problem in your WLS aftercare.
   — susanje

May 2, 2003
Thanks for your answers. I'm on my meds. You know sometimes you just wish you weren't this way and you hope you'll be ok if you go off of them. I know now though that I need to be on them and I am in counseling and treatment and going to have another psych evaluation done. I am stable according to my psychiatrist so I asked that he send that information on to my insurance. This has been helpful though. Thanks!
   — Laura A.