Performance of 4 Automated SARS-CoV-2 Serology Assay Platforms in a Large Cohort Including Susceptible COVID-19-Negative and COVID-19-Positive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 serological responses may have a vital role in controlling the spread of the disease. However, the comparative performance of automated serological assays has not been determined in susceptible patients with significant comorbidities. METHODS: In this study, we used large numbers of samples from patients who were negative (n = 2030) or positive (n = 112) for COVID-19 to compare the performance of 4 serological assay platforms: Siemens Healthineers Atellica IM Analyzer, Siemens Healthineers Dimension EXL Systems, Abbott ARCHITECT, and Roche cobas. RESULTS: All 4 serology assay platforms exhibited comparable negative percentage of agreement with negative COVID-19 status ranging from 99.2% to 99.7% and positive percentage of agreement from 84.8% to 87.5% with positive real-time reverse transcriptase PCR results. Of the 2142 total samples, only 38 samples (1.8%) yielded discordant results on one or more platforms. However, only 1.1% (23/2030) of results from the COVID-19-negative cohort were discordant. whereas discordance was 10-fold higher for the COVID-19-positive cohort, at 11.3% (15/112). Of the total 38 discordant results, 34 were discordant on only one platform. CONCLUSIONS: Serology assay performance was comparable across the 4 platforms assessed in a large population of patients who were COVID-19 negative with relevant comorbidities. The pattern of discordance shows that samples were discordant on a single assay platform, and the discordance rate was 10-fold higher in the population that was COVID-19 positive.

Clinical Utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) in a Residential Treatment Program for Homeless Individuals.

The current study examined the clinical utility of the Restructured Form of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2-RF) in a residential treatment program for homeless individuals. MMPI-2-RF scale scores from 146 participants with valid profiles were correlated with variables obtained at intake and during treatment. The sample was then followed 12 months postdischarge to test preregistered hypotheses regarding MMPI-2-RF predictors of hospital readmissions. The results indicated that a variety of MMPI-2-RF scale scores were correlated with historical and diagnostic variables at intake and with measures of treatment outcome, including behavioral problems and successful outcome. A broad range of MMPI-2-RF scale scores were related to readmissions postdischarge and many of these relationships remained significant when tested in Poisson regression models containing other predictors. However, the postdischarge findings were generally inconsistent with our predictions and were of small effect size. The clinical implications of MMPI-2-RF results for residential treatment programs are discussed.

Emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. health care workers: A gathering storm.

The COVID-19 pandemic is placing enormous stress on U.S. health care workers. Prior studies of infectious disease outbreaks and other catastrophic events have shown the damaging mental health impacts caused by these events. Implications for the policy and treatment of health care workers facing the COVID-19 crisis are discussed in this commentary. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Initial development of pathological personality trait domain measures using the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI).

This study set out to create measures of the five personality disorder trait domains outlined in Section III of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) from the Personality Assessment Inventory items (Morey, 2007). Rasch rating scale model analyses and classical test theory analyses were applied to existing data sets (N = 3,877; community, clinical, offender, college) to identify relevant items. Five scales were created that had acceptable unidimensionality and generally conformed to Rasch model expectations. The ability of the items to cover the underlying construct and their differential item function by sex were acceptable, though a few of the proposed scales had weaknesses in these areas. Internal consistency was acceptable for all scales and the factor structure was generally consistent with expectations, but some scales had concerning cross-loadings. Preliminary analyses demonstrated validity of the scales in relation to history of mental health treatment/current symptoms, substance abuse, and, for one scale, violent rearrests. There were small-to-moderate associations with noncorresponding traits, suggesting a degree of saturation with general personality impairment. The relevance of the proposed scales for the assessment of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition personality disorder is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Examining the psychometric properties of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Brief Form in justice-involved samples.

Impulsivity is an important component of many forms of psychopathology. Though widely used as an index of this construct, the 30-item Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) has demonstrated questionable psychometric properties in several research reports. An 8-item shortened version has recently been proposed, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Brief (BIS-Brief) form, which was designed to overcome some of the limitations of the longer scale. In this report, we examine the internal structure and theoretically relevant external correlates of this new short form in large archival samples of individuals involved in the criminal justice system (prison inmates, substance abusers in mandatory treatment, and forensic inpatients). Confirmatory factor analysis of the BIS-Brief indicates adequate fit following a relatively minor modification. Correlations between the BIS-Brief and an array of criterion measures-other self-report scales, interview-based measures, and behavioral outcomes-are consistent with predictions and show relatively little or no decrement in predictive validity when compared with the 30-item BIS-11. Our results suggest that the BIS-Brief is a promising brief measure of impulsivity that evinces good psychometric properties across a range of offender samples.

Predictive validity of the personality assessment inventory (PAI) for identifying criminal reoffending following completion of an in-jail addiction treatment program.

We examined the predictive validity of the personality assessment inventory (PAI; Morey, 2007) for criminal reoffending over a 44-60 month follow-up period among incarcerated offenders (N = 124) who completed an addiction treatment program. With this study, we sought to test whether PAI scores conceptually relevant to Andrews and Bonta's (2010) central eight and responsiveness factors were predictive of general and specific reoffending in a sample with criminal involvement and substance-related impairment. PAI scores tapping antisocial personality style and the anger/hostile component of antisocial cognitions had the most robust relationships with the timing and occurrence of reoffending. Hostile dominance and discrepancy scores of observed versus predicted drug and alcohol problems were also predictive of reoffending. None of the other variables examined were consistently associated with reoffending. We discuss these results in relation to the use of the PAI to inform clinical decision making for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

A Rasch model analysis of NEO PI-R fearless dominance and impulsive antisociality scales.

This study reports a Rasch model analysis of psychopathic trait measures of fearless dominance and impulsive antisociality (Witt et al., 2010). Through use of secondary data analysis (N = 200), these scales were evaluated to determine whether they provided effective dimensional measurement evidenced by a) one-dimensional structure, b) broad targeting of the latent dimensions, and c) invariance across men and women. Only fearless dominance achieved an invariant one-dimensional structure after slight modification. Both fearless dominance and impulsive antisociality had a restricted range in targeting of the latent trait dimensions. With one exception, scale items did not exhibit differential item functioning across men and women. Implications of the results are discussed within the context of Rasch analysis and the conceptualization of psychopathy.

Co-occurring mental health and substance use problems in offenders: implications for risk assessment.

We undertook a secondary data analysis to study issues relevant to co-occurring mental health and substance disorder in a combined sample of offenders (N = 3,197). Using the Personality Assessment Inventory, we compared the frequency of depressive, traumatic stress, and personality disorder symptom elevations across offenders with and without substance problems, identified the extent to which co-occurring problems were accompanied by risk factors for suicide and aggression, and tested for gender differences. Offenders with substance problems were more likely than others to have increased mental health problems and risk factors for suicide or aggression. Women with substance problems, compared with men, had higher depression, traumatic stress, and borderline features, in addition to lower antisocial features. The frequency with which suicide and aggression risk factors were associated with mental health problems was generally similar across men and women. Measurement issues relevant to co-occurring disorder and risk assessment are discussed.

Five-factor model facet characteristics of non-aeronautically adaptable military aviators.

BACKGROUND: The present study revisited a large sample of clinically referred military aviators, previously evaluated across factors of the Five Factor Model of personality (FFM), to determine whether identified facet differences were consistent with U.S. Navy guidelines for evaluating aeronautical adaptability. METHODS: Clinically evaluated U.S. Naval aviators and flight officers (N = 954) disposed as either aeronautically adaptable (AA) or not aeronautically adaptable (NAA) were compared with respect to their facet level scores on the NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R). Additional analyses were conducted to control for NAA status attributable to physical as opposed to psychological standards and for student versus designated aviator/flight officer experience levels. RESULTS: NAA aviators and flight officers, when compared to their AA counterparts, evidenced significant and substantive effect size differences on facets measuring negative emotionality, interpersonal effectiveness, and goal-orientation. CONCLUSION: FFM facet differences between AA and NAA officers were only partially consistent with U.S. Navy guidelines; expected facet differences related to compliance, deliberation, actions, and excitement-seeking/impulsivity were not observed.

Recovery and replication of internalizing and externalizing dimensions within the personality assessment inventory.

In this study, we examined the internal structure of 13 Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991, 2007) scales in a corrections sample (N = 1,099). Previous findings regarding the PAI internal structure have been somewhat inconsistent. We investigated the utility of a 2-dimensional model comprised of internalization and externalization to organize the 11 PAI clinical scales and 2 additional scales, Suicidal Ideation and Aggression. We randomly divided the sample, and a factor analysis revealed a 2-dimensional model representing internalization and externalization. Confirmatory factor analyses conducted with an independent subsample revealed acceptable fit when the model was revised to include correlated error terms between mood and anxiety disorder scales. The revised model exhibited acceptable fit when cross-validated, had better fit than a 1-dimension model, and demonstrated preliminary construct validity in relation to extratest variables.

Externalizing pathology and the five-factor model: a meta-analysis of personality traits associated with antisocial personality disorder, substance use disorder, and their co-occurrence.

In this meta-analysis we examined Five-Factor Model of personality (FFM) characteristics of externalizing disorders. Two pathologies, Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), have significant levels of co-occurrence that may be due to shared personality traits. Results from 63 samples (N = 15,331) were analyzed in order to summarize and compare five-factor results for APD, SUD, and co-occurring APD/SUD. Shared and unique personality features were identified at both the domain and the facet level of the FFM. Moderation analyses indicated that sample source (clinical versus community) and diagnosis (psychopathy versus DSM-based APD) accounted for some of the variability at the domain level. Results are discussed with respect to personality and externalizing disorders.

Taxometric analyses of borderline personality features in a large-scale male and female offender sample.

Few studies to date have examined the extent to which borderline personality features are best construed as representing an underlying dimension or a discrete class or taxon. The authors conducted taxometric analyses using a large-scale sample of male (n=787) and female (n=368) prison inmates who had completed the Personality Assessment Inventory (L. C. Morey, 2007). Analyses based on the 4 subscales of the Borderline Features Scale offered compelling support for a dimensional structure in both the full sample and the female subsample--even after controlling for the potentially confounding effects of negative response distortion. Theoretical and pragmatic implications of these findings are reviewed.

Factor structure and correlates of the dissociative experiences scale in a large offender sample.

The authors examined the psychometric properties, factor structure, and construct validity of the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) in a large offender sample (N = 1,515). Although the DES is widely used with community and clinical samples, minimal work has examined offender samples. Participants were administered self-report and interview measures, and a subsample was followed longitudinally to determine criminal and violent recidivism. The DES exhibited good psychometric properties, but an identified three-factor structure was of questionable replicability. Moreover, the DES factors displayed no evidence of differential correlates. DES total scores were correlated with trauma-related variables even after controlling for negative affectivity. Total scores were related to measures of antisocial behavior and aggression but did not predict recidivism. These findings support the reliability and construct validity of the DES in offenders but raise questions regarding the clinical utility of the DES factor scores above and beyond that of the total score.

Risk factors for institutional misconduct among incarcerated women: an examination of the criterion-related validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory.

Although widely researched in male offender samples, relatively little is known about the clinical utility of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991) among female prisoners. In this study, we examined the utility of various theoretically relevant PAI scales to predict 3 types of institutional misconduct (general, aggressive/defiant, and covert infractions) in a sample of 113 female inmates incarcerated for at least 1 year. The Antisocial Features (ANT) scale was the most consistent and effective predictor of misbehavior, with limited evidence to suggest that other PAI scales could demonstrate any incremental validity beyond this measure. More important, ANT continued to be associated with institutional misconduct even after controlling for criminal background variables such as prior convictions and a history of violence.

On the validity of validity scales: the importance of defensive responding in the prediction of institutional misconduct.

This study examined the effects of defensive responding on the prediction of institutional misconduct among male inmates (N = 349) who completed the Personality Assessment Inventory (L. C. Morey, 1991). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses demonstrated significant main effects for the Antisocial Features (ANT) scale as well as main effects for the Positive Impression Management (PIM) scale in some instances. Significant ANT x PIM interactions also were evident, particularly when examining recommended cut scores on these scales. These results demonstrate the predictive validity of ANT with prisoners and reinforce the importance of context when considering whether validity scales are in fact valid.

Validity of the inventory of interpersonal problems for predicting treatment outcome: an investigation with the Pennsylvania Practice Research Network.

In this study, we examined the relationship between treatment outcome and variables from the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems Circumplex scales (IIP-C; Horowitz, Alden, Wiggins, & Pincus, 2000) in the Pennsylvania Psychological Association's Practice Research Network (PRN; Borkovec, Echemendia, Ragusea, & Ruiz, 2001). The PRN was a naturalistic observation treatment outcome study conducted with clinicians who were providing outpatient therapy. Assessment instruments, including the Compass Assessment System (Howard, Brill, Lueger, O'Mahoney, & Grissom, 1993; Sperry, Brill, Howard, & Grissom, 1996) and the IIP-C, were used to assess outcome at the 7th session (N=73) and at termination (N=42). Significant associations were identified between seventh-session outcome and most of the IIP variables. Only IIP elevation and amplitude were related to termination outcome. Elevation, amplitude, and hostile submissive problems were related to treatment length. Ad hoc analyses indicated that the IIP elevation fully mediated the relationships between interpersonal problems and seventh-session outcome but not the relationship between amplitude and outcome. We discuss the results in relation to the external validity of the IIP.

NEO PI-R predictors of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems.

We investigated the relationships between Five-factor model domains and facets and drinking and alcohol-related problems. We also examined the moderating effects of gender. Two hundred students (99 men and 101 women) who had used alcohol in the past year completed self-report and interview assessments. Bivariate analyses demonstrated some significant relationships. In the multivariate analyses that controlled for gender, Neuroticism and Conscientiousness were linked to drinking, but only some of the facets from these domains had significant relationships to drinking. Facets of Extraversion and Agreeableness, but not these domains, were associated with drinking. Neuroticism and Conscientiousness and most of their facets were related to alcohol-related problems in the multivariate analyses. The interactions between gender and traits were not significant.

Concurrent validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory Alcohol Problems (ALC) Scale in a college student sample.

The concurrent validity of the Alcohol Problems scale (ALC) was investigated in a college student sample (N = 200). The relationships between the ALC and associated features of alcohol problems (e.g., consumption patterns, expectancies, maladaptive coping, and stress) were examined. The validity of the ALC for identifying clinically significant alcohol problems (assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for the fourth edition ofthe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) was also examined. The ALC was related to the associated features and was a valid indicator of alcohol problems. T scores of 80, 85, and 90 had superior hit rates for alcohol abuse; and scores of 80, 85, and 90 had superior hit rates for alcohol dependence.

Effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response in two rat strains.

RATIONALE: Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response is altered by manipulations that affect brain monoamine neurotransmission. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a neurotransmitter that is released during stress, and CRF receptors are expressed in areas of the brain which contribute to PPI, and central administration of CRF changes extracellular concentrations of the monoamines. Therefore, CRF is in a position to alter PPI, either by causing the release of other neurotransmitters, or by direct effects at CRF receptors. OBJECTIVES: The present experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of CRF would decrease PPI in rats. Additionally, these experiments were used to examine whether CRF results in differential changes in PPI in rat strains that show high and low basal PPI, and whether CRF-induced grooming behavior and increased startle amplitude are also strain-dependent. METHODS: Male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats inbred in our colony in La Jolla, WKY rats obtained from Charles River, and Brown Norway (BN) rats from Harlan, Sprague-Dawley were tested for grooming behavior, PPI and startle amplitude following ICV infusion of either CRF (1.0-3.0 microg) or saline. RESULTS: CRF significantly decreased PPI in both BN rats, which show relatively little PPI in the basal condition and, in WKY rats. The amplitude of the acoustic startle response was increased in WKY rats only and, only by the 3.0 microg dose of CRF. CRF increased grooming behavior in the La Jolla colony WKY and BN rats. However, within the time frame during which the rats were being observed, CRF failed to significantly increase grooming in Charles River WKY rats. CONCLUSIONS: CRF diminished PPI of the acoustic startle response in rats that show high (WKY) and low (BN) basal PPI. This effect does not appear to be dependant on CRF-induced changes in startle amplitude. The results suggest the possibility that stress-induced exacerbation of symptoms in schizophrenia, which is characterized by deficient PPI, may be CRF-dependent.

Individual differences in the emergence of depressive symptoms in children and adolescents: a longitudinal investigation of parent and child reports.

The authors address questions about the rate that depressive symptoms emerge, developmental and gender differences in this rate, and differences between parent and child estimates of this rate. In a 12-wave, cohort-sequential, longitudinal design, 1,570 children (Grades 4-11) and parents completed reports about children's depression. Cross-domain latent growth curve analysis revealed that (a) the rate of symptom growth varied with developmental level. (b) gender differences symptom growth preceded emergence of mean level gender differences, (c) the rate of symptom development varied with age, and (d) parent-child agreement about rate of symptom change was stronger than agreement about time-specific symptoms. The authors suggest that predictability of depressive symptoms varies with age and the dimension under investigation.