The detection of malingering in memory performance: the sensitivity and specificity of four measures in a UK population.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the validity of a clinical neuropsychological battery for the detection of malingering on tests of memory.


METHODS
A simulated scenario design was developed to investigate the effectiveness of a battery of four neuropsychological tests in the detection of malingering; the Coin in the Hand Test (CIH), Autobiographical Memory Index (AMI), Rey I 5-Item Test (RIT),and the Wechsler Mental Control Test (MCT). The performances of patients with an acquired brain injury (N = 40) were compared with two groups of controls instructed either to simulate a head injury performance (N = 40) or do their best (N = 40).


RESULTS
The CIH and MCT demonstrated good validity and displayed high sensitivity and specificity. The RIT and the AMI was relatively poor in distinguishing between simulators and patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The sensitivity and specificity of all four tests to the detection of malingering has been assessed. Two of the tests the CIH and MCT would be useful as a quick and accurate screening tool for detecting malingering.
Kelly
P J
PJ
Neurological Sciences, Clinical Science Center for Research and Education, Liverpool, UK.
Baker
G A
GA
van den Broek
M D
MD
Jackson
H
H
Humphries
G
G
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D006113:United Kingdom