Codetypes: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Analyzing Your Own MMPI-2 Results (All Scale 8, 9 and 0 Codetypes)

 

8–9 (Sc–Ma)

Snapshot:
Thought disturbance and perceptual distortions (Scale 8) are paired with high activation and energy (Scale 9). This can result in pressured speech, rapid shifts in ideas, grandiose or paranoid themes, and impulsive action. Episodes often involve decreased need for sleep and accelerated goal pursuit, sometimes with poor judgment.

Data & demographics:

• Common in bipolar I disorder with psychotic features and schizoaffective disorder.

• Schizophrenia spectrum conditions skew male in incidence (~1.4:1), with earlier onset in men (late teens–early 20s) than women (20s–30s) — this male bias carries over to acute 8–9 inpatient populations.

• Bipolar prevalence is sex-neutral overall, but mania often begins earlier in males, affecting the demographic mix of 8–9 cases in emergency and forensic settings.

Clinical prognosis:
Good functional recovery is possible with treatment adherence, but risk of relapse is high if medication is discontinued or substance use is present.

What works:

• Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics as needed.

• Psychoeducation for insight and relapse prevention.

• Minimize overstimulation; use calm, direct communication.

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8–0 (Sc–Si)

Snapshot:
Social withdrawal is reinforced by unusual thoughts and perceptual distortions. Individuals may be isolated, suspicious, and disengaged from social/occupational roles. Affect is often flat or restricted.

Data & demographics:

• This profile is frequent in chronic schizophrenia and severe schizoid or schizotypal personality presentations.

• Higher prevalence in men in inpatient populations, but long-term outpatient maintenance groups tend to be more gender-balanced as female cases accumulate over time.

• Lower socioeconomic status is common due to vocational impairment.

Clinical prognosis:
Guarded; functional improvement is possible with sustained engagement in structured support and skills programs.

What works:

• Social skills training and cognitive remediation.

• Supported employment programs.

• Consistent, predictable environments to reduce anxiety.

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8–9–0 (Sc–Ma–Si)

Snapshot:
Unusual thought content, high activation, and social withdrawal produce a volatile mix—individuals may shift from social isolation to sudden, impulsive engagement, often in ways that others perceive as unpredictable or disorganized.

Data & demographics:

• Seen in schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type) and manic psychosis presentations.

• Male prevalence is slightly higher in acute care; chronic mixed presentations balance closer to even gender distribution.

• Age of onset is often early adulthood, with poorer occupational outcomes in untreated cases.

Clinical prognosis:
Variable; improvement depends on adherence to mood and psychosis management, plus re-establishing stable social rhythms.

What works:

• Combined mood stabilization and antipsychotic therapy.

• Gradual reintroduction to structured activities.

• Relapse prevention plans emphasizing early warning sign recognition.

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9–0 (Ma–Si)

Snapshot:
High energy and sociability (Scale 9) contrast sharply with withdrawal tendencies (Scale 0). Individuals may alternate between periods of hyper-engagement and abrupt retreat. This often reflects underlying cyclothymic patterns, social anxiety, or burnout cycles.

Data & demographics:

• Bipolar II disorder and cyclothymia are common correlates; sex distribution is roughly equal.

• In occupational settings, this profile may appear in high-performance individuals who experience “crash” periods after intensive output.

• College-age and young adult samples show higher frequency of 9–0 compared to older populations, likely due to lifestyle and role demands.

Clinical prognosis:
Good if pacing and self-monitoring strategies are in place; relapse risk rises if high-activation periods are unmanaged or social withdrawal becomes prolonged.

What works:

• Behavioral pacing and activity scheduling.

• Social re-engagement planning after withdrawal phases.

• CBT for perfectionism or avoidance patterns if present.

   

   

  NOTE that the lists are made with numbers ascending; to view the remainder of the codetypes associated with 8, 9 and 0, you must read the prior installment articles, all of which are much lengthier.