title: Malingering of PTSD: forensic and diagnostic considerations, characteristics of malingerers and clinical presentations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper aims to study the detection of individuals malingering posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in criminal and civil situations.
  
  
  METHODS
  A brief history of PTSD and its rise to prominence in legal circles are discussed. The characteristics of individuals who malinger and particularly those who fake PTSD are discussed. Diagnostic dilemmas inherent to the condition, such as the definition of a traumatic exposure, what constitutes a PTSD flashback and the potential for normal symptom exaggeration, are explored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The typical presentation of malingered symptoms is presented to help clinicians detect commonly seen malingering patterns. Suggestions for interview techniques, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test values and sources of collateral information to help detect malingering are reviewed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The paper concludes with a review of the typical presentations of malingered PTSD symptoms and a reminder that physicians need to distinguish legitimate symptoms from faked or embellished presentations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe Street/Meyer 113, Baltimore, MD 21287-7113, USA. dr.rcwhall@att.net
authors.forename: Ryan C W
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Richard C W
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008950:MMPI; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*