Multiscale Dissociation Inventory

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]

Multiscale Dissociation Inventory
Purpose	Diagnostic method

Dissociation

Main article: Dissociation (psychology)

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]

Assessment

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]

See also

• Dissociative Experiences Scale
• Structured Clinical Interview for DSM