A cluster analysis of millon clinical multiaxial inventory (MCMI) profiles: More about a taxonomy of alcoholic subtypes

MCMI and MMPI data were obtained from 125 male veteran alcoholic in- patients. MCMI profiles were classified into five relatively homogeneous subgroups by a hierarchical clustering technique. One-way ANOVAs were calculated for each of the MMPI scales; patients were classified according to MCMI group membership. Results showed that conceptually meaningful clusters exist among MCMI profiles, that statistically significant relationships exist between MCMI profiles and MMPI scale scores, and that these relationships are consistent with trends reported in the literature. The study provides additional support for the idea that a potentially useful taxonomy exists for alcoholics and suggests that the MCMI could be a useful tool in subsequent research on understanding and treating different patterns of alcoholism.