Investigating the M-FAST: psychometric properties and utility to detect diagnostic specific malingering.
This study examined the ability of the M-FAST to differentiate a group of undergraduate students simulating one of four DSM-IV diagnoses (n = 190; schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder) and a clinical comparison sample drawn from previous M-FAST studies comprising individuals with the same diagnosis (n = 142). Across all diagnostic conditions, the simulators obtained higher M-FAST total scores than the clinical comparisons, and the rare combinations scale was equal or superior to the total score at differentiating the groups. The M-FAST was most efficient at distinguishing feigned from bona fide schizophrenia. Although the internal consistency of the total score was high (alpha = 0.88), inter-item correlations were lower than values reported in previous research. Lastly, given the importance of base rate considerations in the evaluation of diagnostic instruments, it was notable that the M-FAST was able to identify malingerers even at relatively low base rates.
Guy
Laura S
LS
Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University, Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6 Canada. lguy@sfu.ca
Kwartner
Phylissa P
PP
Miller
Holly A
HA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001523:Mental Disorders; D016544:Patient Simulation; D011594:Psychometrics; D015206:Southwestern United States