The detection of malingering in memory performance: the sensitivity and specificity of four measures in a UK population.

OBJECTIVES: 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.