| Multiscale Dissociation Inventory | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Diagnostic method |
The Multiscale Dissociation Inventory (MDI) is a comprehensive, self-administered, multiscale instrument developed by Paul F. Dell. [1] It is designed to assess the domain of dissociative phenomena. [2] The MDI measures 14 major facets of pathological dissociation and uses 23 scales to diagnose dissociative disorders. [1] [3]
Dissociation is a term used to describe the disconnection between mental processes that are ordinarily integrated, including disconnection of the conscious self to physical sensations, emotional reactions, or behaviors. [4] [2] [5] For example, an individual may show dissociative symptoms by displaying no reaction to the death of a valued loved one, by noting that life feels unreal, by disowning all or part of the body, or by claiming amnesia for an important event or an aspect of life. [2] [6]
The MDI was designed for clinical research and for diagnostic assessment of patients who present with a mixture of dissociative, post-traumatic, and borderline symptoms. [1] [7]
Compared to other methods to assess the domain of dissociative identity disorder phenomena, MDI demonstrates internal reliability, temporal stability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and construct validity. [7] [8] [3] Specifically, MDI exhibits incremental validity over the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). [4] [7] [8]
MDI aims to achieve internal consistency and provide both convergent and discriminant validity, [7] by exerting a 5-factor structure of the MDI, which includes Disengagement, Identity Dissociation, Emotional Constriction, Memory Disturbance, and Depersonalization/Derealization. [7] [9]
The inclusion of the Multiscale Dissociation Inventory (MDI) in clinical practice can be useful in populations known to be vulnerable to complex trauma. [1] [7] [8] [5]