Detecting Malingering in a Forensic Sample

What is it about?

The Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology (SIMS) is a 75-item, self-report measure to be used with individuals at least 18 years of age, which may be utilized to assess potential malingering of psychosis, neurologic impairment, amnesia, low intelligence, or affective disorder. However, no studies in the literature have examined the diagnostic validity of this instrument in a known-groups design involving medicolegal referrals diagnosed as malingering. The current known-groups, archival study was designed to examine the effectiveness of the SIMS at identifying malingering in patients involved in personal injury lawsuits or disability claims. Findings indicate that a higher cut score on the SIMS for identification of malingering may be appropriate for use with this population. Limitations, clinical implications, and suggestions for further research are discussed.

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