Use of the Multiple Errands Test-Simplified Version in the assessment of suboptimal effort.
Most measures of suboptimal effort focus on short-term learning; fewer studies have considered non-memory feigned cognitive impairment. This study investigated the utility of the Multiple Errands Test - Simplified Version (MET-SV) in the detection of feigned executive functioning impairment. Performance of simulating malingerers (N = 47) was compared to acquired brain injury (N = 46) and neurologically healthy control groups (N = 50). Although simulating malingerers were successful at feigning a realistic level of impairment compared to the brain injury group, there were significant differences regarding pattern of performance. A logistic regression model successfully classified 84% of simulating malingerers and 74.5% of brain injured individuals. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis supported the discriminatory power of the model. The current study is unique in yielding some understanding of the real-life observation of suspected malingerers compared to individuals with genuine cognitive difficulties. Results suggest the MET-SV can contribute to the clinical assessment of individuals suspected of suboptimal effort in the domain of executive functioning. Further research is needed to establish whether the MET-SV can be reliably used in medico-legal settings.
Older People's Mental Health Services, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Marcia
M
Castiel
Nick
N
Alderman
Keith
K
Jenkins
Caroline
C
Knight
Paul
P
Burgess
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D016544:Patient Simulation; D012372:ROC Curve; D055815:Young Adult