Are the SCL-90-R and three personality questionnaires suitable for the differential diagnosis of inpatients from different diagnostic categories?

Theoretical background: There is a controversy about the suitability of the SCL-90-R and personality questionnaires for the differential diagnosis of clinical groups. Questions: Examination of the suitability of the SCL-90-R and three recently developed personality questionnaires for the differential diagnosis of inpatients from six diagnostic categories of mental disorders. Method: 1,68 inpatients with middle level or severe depressive episodes, pain disorder, adjustment disorder, agoraphobia, or eating disorder were examined using the SCL-90-R, the Questionnaire of Competence and Control Beliefs, the Self-oriented Behavior Inventory, and the Habitual Physical Health Inventory. Results: All four diagnostic instruments contribute to the differential diagnosis. Specific profiles of the six clinical groups can be constructed. Conclusions: The nine scales of the SCL-90-R primarily measure one large factor. The, clinical use of the three personality questionnaires can be recommended. Apart from symptoms, personality traits contribute to the characterization of clinical groups and facilitate the planning of therapeutic interventions..