title: Efficacy of MMPI-2 validity scales and MCMI-II modifier scales for detecting spurious PTSD claims: F, F-K, Fake Bad Scale, ego strength, subtle-obvious subscales, DIS, and DEB.
abstract: This study compared 119 personal injury claimants' scores on MMPI-2 and MCMI-II malingering scales. Data from 55 pseudo-PTSD patients and 64 controls confirm the utility of the scales examined. The following cut-offs were most effective for identifying spurious PTSD: F greater than 62, F-K = greater than -4, Es = greater than 30, FBS = greater than 24 (men), FBS = greater than 26 (women), total obvious minus subtle = greater than 90, DIS = greater than 60, and DEB = greater than 60. Pseudo-PTSD patients were those who (1) claimed to be suffering a psychological injury (2) that was so severe that it was disabling (3) due to an experience that was entirely implausible as a candidate for PTSD criterion A in DSM-III-R and (4) scored T = 65 or higher on both PK and PS, the post-traumatic stress disorder subscales of the MMPI-2.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Lees-Haley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004532:Ego; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005162:Factitious Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008950:MMPI / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology