1
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Winter D, Braw Y. Online search strategies utilized in feigning attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) while performing a continuous performance test (CPT). APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024; 31:1365-1374. [PMID: 36201363 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2128356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The availability of information regarding neuropsychological tests threatens their confidentiality. This concern may be particularly relevant to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) considering its widespread online coverage. The present study explored simulators' online search strategies. METHOD Simulators (n = 39) searched for information before undergoing an evaluation which included performing a continuous performance test (CPT). Their search strategies were analyzed, and their performance was compared to that of ADHD patients (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 38). RESULTS Most simulators reached high-risk websites that provided written and video-based information regarding the test. Sixty percent, comprised mostly of 3rd-year students, reached Google Scholar. These students were also easier to detect as simulators. Common strategies included performing the CPT in accordance with typical ADHD symptoms and avoiding the endorsement of both unusual and stereotypical symptoms. CONCLUSION Simulators can access online information that contains key test data. Higher education may increase the ability to reach academic research while decreasing the ability to convincingly feign impairment. While additional research is needed to examine coaching effects on neuropsychological testing, the risk to test security that many websites pose should be acknowledged and steps, including ones taken by test publishers, should be undertaken to minimize it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoram Braw
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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2
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Bosi J, Minassian L, Ales F, Akca AYE, Winters C, Viglione DJ, Zennaro A, Giromini L. The sensitivity of the IOP-29 and IOP-M to coached feigning of depression and mTBI: An online simulation study in a community sample from the United Kingdom. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024; 31:1234-1246. [PMID: 36027614 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2115910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the credibility of symptoms is critical to neuropsychological assessment in both clinical and forensic settings. To this end, the Inventory of Problems-29 (IOP-29) and its recently added memory module (Inventory of Problems-Memory; IOP-M) appear to be particularly useful, as they provide a rapid and cost-effective measure of both symptom and performance validity. While numerous studies have already supported the effectiveness of the IOP-29, research on its newly developed module, the IOP-M, is much sparser. To address this gap, we conducted a simulation study with a community sample (N = 307) from the United Kingdom. Participants were asked to either (a) respond honestly or (b) pretend to suffer from mTBI or (c) pretend to suffer from depression. Within each feigning group, half of the participants received a description of the symptoms of the disorder to be feigned, and the other half received both a description of the symptoms of the disorder to be feigned and a warning not to over-exaggerate their responses or their presentation would not be credible. Overall, the results confirmed the effectiveness of the two IOP components, both individually and in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bosi
- Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Laure Minassian
- Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Francesca Ales
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Christina Winters
- Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society (TLS), Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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3
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Bérar A. [Factitious disorder imposed on self and Munchausen syndrome: An update]. Rev Med Interne 2024; 45:649-655. [PMID: 38658265 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Factitious disorder imposed on self (FDIS) is a mental disorder characterized by conscious manipulative behavior from patients with no clearly identifiable external objective. It affects subjects with a wide range of characteristics, only some of whom fit the stereotypical profile of the young female working in the health sector. It can take the form of a variety of symptoms or clinical signs, and is likely to involve all specialties. Munchausen syndrome is a particular form of FDIS, more prevalent in men and marked by its severity. Psychiatric comorbidities are common in patients with FDIS. Death is rare but possible, either as a result of the disease itself, complications of examinations or treatments, or suicide. The diagnostic approach must seek to identify positive arguments in favor of the disorder. Diagnosis by elimination remains possible when no other hypothesis can explain a clinical picture suggestive of FDIS. The prognosis is often poor, at least in the short and medium term. Avoiding unnecessary prescriptions is essential to prevent iatrogenesis. The management of FDIS is poorly codified. In all cases, the practitioner must adopt a non-aggressive, empathetic attitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bérar
- Service de médecine légale et pénitentiaire, CHU Pontchaillou, 2, rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35033 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes, Rennes, France.
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4
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Boskovic I, Akca AYE, Giromini L. Symptom coaching and symptom validity tests: An analog study using the structured inventory of malingered symptomatology, Self-Report Symptom Inventory, and Inventory of Problems-29. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024; 31:626-638. [PMID: 35414324 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2057856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In this pilot and exploratory study, we tested the robustness of three self-report symptom validity tests (SVTs) to symptom coaching for depression, with and without additional information available on the Internet. Specifically, we divided our sample (N = 193) so that each subject received either the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology (SIMS; n = 64), the Self-Report Symptom Inventory (SRSI; n = 66), or the Inventory of Problems-29 (IOP-29; n = 63). Within each of the three subgroups, approximately one third of participants were instructed to respond honestly (Genuine Condition, nSIMS = 21; nSRSI = 24; nIOP-29 = 26) and approximately two-thirds were instructed to feign depression. One half of the feigners were presented with a vignette to increase their compliance with instructions and were given information about symptoms of depression (Coached Feigning, nSIMS = 25; nSRSI = 18; nIOP-29 = 21), and the other half were given the same vignette and information about symptoms of depression, plus two Internet links to review before completing the test (Internet-Coached Feigning, nSIMS = 18; nSRSI = 24; nIOP-29 = 16). Overall, the results showed that the genuine conditions yielded the lowest total scores on all three measures, while the two feigning conditions did not significantly differ from each other. Looking at the detection rates for all feigning participants, all three measures showed satisfactory results, with IOP-29 performing slightly better than SIMS and SIMS performing slightly better than SRSI. Internet-Coached Feigners scored slightly lower on all three measures than feigners who were coached without the Internet links. Taken together, the results of this preliminary and exploratory study suggest that all three SVTs examined are sensitive to feigned depression even in the presence of symptom coaching, both with and without additional Internet-based information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Boskovic
- Forensic Psychology Section, Clinical Psychology Department, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Forensic Psychology Section, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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5
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Sawar K, Sawar L, Reddy V, Sahyouni A, Sawar A. Screening a Suspected Malingerer Using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised and Visual Analogue Pain Scale Questionnaires. Cureus 2024; 16:e62904. [PMID: 39040791 PMCID: PMC11262057 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Malingering in healthcare leads to a significant financial burden, so identifying patients who may be more likely to malinger is a critical step in minimizing the ever-growing cost of healthcare in the United States. Malingering is a clinical diagnosis with no well-established diagnostic tests. General guiding principles exist to determine whether or not a patient is malingering, but there is no well-established set of guidelines that can be used in common to identify malingering. Our team cared for a 51-year-old black, female patient who presented to an outpatient clinic due to generalized pain following a motor vehicle accident (MVA). The patient's symptomatology, clinical progression, and imaging results were discordant with one another, which prompted clinical suspicion of malingering. After careful deliberation, the care team suspected that the patient was malingering. Therefore, the clinical management was limited to a conservative pain management regimen and minimal clinical follow-up to avoid unnecessary healthcare expenditures. This article aims to discuss general principles and specific strategies for how a clinician can approach a case of suspected malingering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinan Sawar
- Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Lana Sawar
- Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Reddy
- Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Abdullah Sahyouni
- Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Amar Sawar
- Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
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6
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Faust TF, Shiver JW, Dickinson PG, Vandervort E, Hamilton M. Malingering in Adolescent Psychiatry: A Case Report of Fabricated Symptoms to Avoid Legal Consequences. Cureus 2024; 16:e60039. [PMID: 38854334 PMCID: PMC11162819 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Malingering is characterized by the deliberate fabrication and/or exaggeration of symptoms for secondary gain, posing a diagnostic challenge in healthcare settings. In this report, we present a 15-year-old male with a history of psychiatric disorders who attempted suicide to avoid legal sentencing, subsequently developing a stutter following an altercation with another patient. Despite initial concern for a concussion, further evaluation revealed malingering as the underlying motive. This case highlights the importance of identifying malingering in adolescents, which calls for a careful approach and thorough assessment for it to be distinguished from an authentic illness. Early identification of malingering optimizes resource allocation and ensures appropriate care for patients who have genuine medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor F Faust
- Department of Research, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | - Jeremy W Shiver
- Department of Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, USA
| | - Patrick G Dickinson
- Department of Research, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | | | - Maria Hamilton
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, BayPointe Hospital, Mobile, USA
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7
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Fabian E, Mayer G, Eller K, Pollheimer M, Queissner R, Krejs GJ. Clinical-Pathological Conference Series from the Medical University of Graz : Case No 178: A 30-year-old nurse with urine dipstick (+++)‑positive for protein in her late pregnancy. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024; 136:298-304. [PMID: 38376552 PMCID: PMC11078789 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Fabian
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Krems, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems on the Danube, Austria
| | - Gert Mayer
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kathrin Eller
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Robert Queissner
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Guenter J Krejs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
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8
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Margolis M, Wong TL, Shmuts R, Taylor JB. Consultation-Liaison Case Conference: A Case of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2023; 64:562-570. [PMID: 37499871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
We present the case of a young woman with an extensive medical history that most notably includes over 60 emergency-room visits for unfounded respiratory distress that often prompted intubations. Each presentation displays elements of deceitfulness or inappropriate demands that align with factitious disorder imposed on self. Top experts in the Consultation-Liaison field provide guidance for this commonly encountered clinical case based on their experience and review of available literature. Key teaching topics include a review of risk factors for development of deceptive syndromes, distinguishing factitious disorder from malingering and conversion disorder, and the role of a consulting psychiatrist in such cases. Patients with factitious disorder often show signs of pathologic lying, obstinance, and erratic behavior. Such attributes frequently arouse negative countertransference in providers, causing frustration and dread with continuing care, rendering psychiatric involvement. We address the unique challenges in managing factitious disorder and how to effectively collaborate with an interdisciplinary inpatient team with these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Margolis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA.
| | - Timothy L Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Mt. Laurel, NJ
| | - Rachel Shmuts
- Department of Psychiatry, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Mt. Laurel, NJ
| | - John B Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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9
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Barton A. Factitious disorder in IV therapy. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2023; 32:S3. [PMID: 37883316 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2023.32.19.s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Barton
- Nurse Consultant, Vascular Access and IV Therapy, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Chair, NIVAS
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10
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Chokka P, Bender A, Brennan S, Ahmed G, Corbière M, Dozois DJA, Habert J, Harrison J, Katzman MA, McIntyre RS, Liu YS, Nieuwenhuijsen K, Dewa CS. Practical pathway for the management of depression in the workplace: a Canadian perspective. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1207653. [PMID: 37732077 PMCID: PMC10508062 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1207653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mental health issues pose a substantial burden on the workforce. Approximately half a million Canadians will not be at work in any week because of a mental health disorder, and more than twice that number will work at a reduced level of productivity (presenteeism). Although it is important to determine whether work plays a role in a mental health condition, at initial presentation, patients should be diagnosed and treated per appropriate clinical guidelines. However, it is also important for patient care to determine the various causes or triggers including work-related factors. Clearly identifying the stressors associated with the mental health disorder can help clinicians to assess functional limitations, develop an appropriate care plan, and interact more effectively with worker's compensation and disability programs, as well as employers. There is currently no widely accepted tool to definitively identify MDD as work-related, but the presence of certain patient and work characteristics may help. This paper seeks to review the evidence specific to depression in the workplace, and provide practical tips to help clinicians to identify and treat work-related MDD, as well as navigate disability issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratap Chokka
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Grey Nuns Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ash Bender
- Work, Stress and Health Program, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stefan Brennan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Ghalib Ahmed
- Department of Family Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marc Corbière
- Department of Education, Career Counselling, Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - David J. A. Dozois
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jeff Habert
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Harrison
- Metis Cognition Ltd., Kilmington, United Kingdom; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London, United Kingdom; Alzheimercentrum, AUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin A. Katzman
- START Clinic for the Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Roger S. McIntyre
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yang S. Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karen Nieuwenhuijsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carolyn S. Dewa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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11
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Zeer AMM, Noman M, Zeer ZMM, Attawneh A, Bairmani ZA, Alfroukh KMA, Oweina L. Factitious cushing's syndrome with unusual presentation: a case report and literature review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:4161-4166. [PMID: 37554867 PMCID: PMC10406003 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Munchausen syndrome is known as a factitious disorder imposed on the self. Factitious Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a very rare form of Munchausen syndrome, presenting with varied clinical and biochemical features, making diagnosis challenging. CASE PRESENTATION A 40-year-old female patient who worked as a registered nurse presented with clinical features of CS but denied any exogenous corticosteroid use. The endocrine workup revealed that the patient had a high 24 h urinary-free cortisol collection before admission. Subsequent evaluations showed low levels of morning cortisol and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone along with a suppressed overnight low-dose dexamethasone suppression test, leading to an investigation of hypercortisolism. Unexpectedly, subsequent testing showed a normal 24 h urinary-free cortisol level. Additionally, the patient was diagnosed with panhypopituitarism, the radiological investigations showed normal pituitary and adrenal glands. Despite consistently denying the use of corticosteroids, it was finally discovered that the patient had been surreptitiously taking prednisone and receiving multiple dexamethasone injections over the past few months. The patient received treatment through a gradual prednisone tapering regimen, accompanied by comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and management. CONCLUSION This case underscores the exceptional rarity of factitious CS and emphasizes the importance of considering it as a potential differential diagnosis in hypercortisolism cases, particularly when the patient's medical history contradicts investigative findings. Furthermore, it highlights the criticality of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to investigate patients whose clinical presentation aligns with factitious CS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alaa Attawneh
- Endocrinologist at Augusta Victoria Hospital, Jerusalem
| | | | | | - Layth Oweina
- Psychiatry at Bethlehem Psychiatric Hospital, UK
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12
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Di Vico IA, Stone J, Mcwhirter L, Riello M, Zanolin ME, Colombari M, Fiorio M, Tinazzi M. Performance validity tests in nonlitigant patients with functional motor disorder. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:806-812. [PMID: 36692870 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Performance validity tests (PVTs) are used in neuropsychological assessments to detect patterns of performance suggesting that the broader evaluation may be an invalid reflection of an individual's abilities. Data on functional motor disorder (FMD) are currently poor and conflicting. We aimed to examine the rate of failure on three different PVTs of nonlitigant, non-compensation-seeking FMD patients, and we compared their performance to that of healthy controls and controls asked to simulate malingering (healthy simulators). METHODS We enrolled 29 nonlitigant, non-compensation-seeking patients with a clinical diagnosis of FMD, 29 healthy controls, and 29 healthy simulators. Three PVTs, the Coin in the Hand Test (CIH), the Rey 15-Item Test (REY), and the Finger Tapping Test (FTT), were employed. RESULTS Functional motor disorder patients showed low rates of failure on the CIH and REY (7% and 10%, respectively) and slightly higher rates on the FTT (15%, n = 26), which implies a motor task. Their performance was statistically comparable to that of healthy controls but statistically different from that of healthy simulators (p < 0.001). Ninety-three percent of FMD patients, 7% of healthy simulators, and 100% of healthy controls passed at least two of the three tests. CONCLUSIONS Performance validity test performance of nonlitigant, non-compensation-seeking patients with FMD ranged from 7% to 15%. Patients' performance was comparable to that of controls and significantly differed from that of simulators. This simple battery of three PVTs could be of practical utility and routinely used in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria A Di Vico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Marlene and Paolo Fresco Institute for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laura Mcwhirter
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marianna Riello
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Elisabetta Zanolin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michela Colombari
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mirta Fiorio
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Tinazzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Onofrj M, Ajdinaj P, Digiovanni A, Malek N, Martinotti G, Ferro FM, Russo M, Thomas A, Sensi SL. Functional Neurologic Disorders, disorders to be managed by neurologists, or are neurologists wandering in a dangerous field with inadequate resources? Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1120981. [PMID: 37009111 PMCID: PMC10064068 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1120981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, some neurologists reconsidered their approach to Medically Unexplained Symptoms and proposed Functional Neurologic Disorders (FND) as a new entity, claiming that neurology could offer alternative treatment options to the psychotherapies provided in psychiatry settings. FNDs, for this purpose, should include only the disorders listed as Conversion from the Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (SSRD) group. The present review analyzes the rationale of this position and challenges the arguments provided for its support. The review also discusses the systematization of these disorders as provided by public health systems. It outlines risks stemming from economic support and public funding uncertainty, given their negligible epidemiological dimensions resulting from the parcellation of SSRD. The review underlines the unresolved issue of Factitious Disorders, which are in the same SSRD category of the international classification but are, nonetheless, overlooked by the theoretical proponents of the FND entity. Comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders is also analyzed. We propose a model that supports the continuum between different SSRD conditions, including Factitious Disorders. The model is based on the emergence of feigned death reflex and deception from frontal lobe dysfunction. Finally, the paper summarizes the wealth of historical psychiatric and psychodynamic approaches and critical reviews. The study also puts in context the categorization and interpretation efforts provided by the most eminent researchers of the past century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Onofrj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marco Onofrj,
| | - Paola Ajdinaj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna Digiovanni
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Naveed Malek
- Barking, Havering, and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Filippo Maria Ferro
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirella Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Astrid Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Luca Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. D'Annunzio University” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Ser MH, Calikusu FZ, Erener N, Destanoğlu O, Siva A. Auto brewery syndrome from the perspective of the neurologist. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 96:102514. [PMID: 37004374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS) is a rare condition that causes the digestive system to produce intoxicating amounts of alcohol due to abnormal growth of the gut microbiota. Medicolegal inferences of ABS have two distinct edges. First, malingering in drunk-driving and abusing the syndrome as a factitious disorder may occur. Second, patients suffering from the syndrome may face medicolegal and social problems. Moreover, chronic exposure to alcohol due to undiagnosed ABS might result in cognitive and behavioral disturbances. Here, we present a patient with recurrent encephalopathy episodes and chronic cognitive disturbances, who was diagnosed with the auto-brewery syndrome, to emphasize the neurocognitive consequences of the syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION A 58 years old female presented with mild cognitive impairment, behavioral disturbances, and recurrent encephalopathy episodes. The history of hemicolectomy, an odd smell on her breath, and cravings for high carbohydrate meals during the paroxysmal episodes raised the suspicion of ABS. Her blood ethanol concentration reached 315 mg/dL following an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and stool analysis revealed increased colonization with C. krusei and C. parapsilosis. She was free of the acute episodes, cognitive and behavioral disturbances improved, and C. krusei and C. parapsilosis were eliminated from the intestinal flora with dietary recommendations and nystatin treatment. CONCLUSION The auto brewery syndrome is a rare disorder of dysbiosis leading to a disturbed gut-brain axis. Being a treatable and relatively benign diagnosis, presentation of the ABS with neurocognitive disturbances necessitates highlighting.
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Epistaxis: An Unusual Presentation of Factitious Disorder. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/ijpbs-110238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: About 1% of psychiatric consultations are concerned with a factitious disorder. Unlike malingering, factitious disorder is a special psychiatric disorder that should be taken into consideration by the medical staff. Case Presentation: This case reports a woman with fever and epistaxis as a primary clinical manifestation of a factitious disorder which was diagnosed and treated after further investigation and psychiatric consultation. Conclusions: Procrastination of diagnosis usually leads to an increase in the length of stay for unnecessary clinical and paraclinical investigations. The purpose of this case presentation was to raise the issue of psychiatric problems and their importance alongside physical problems.
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Bosso T, Vischia F, Keller R, Vai D, Imperiale D, Vercelli A. A case report and literature review of cognitive malingering and psychopathology. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:981475. [PMID: 36311526 PMCID: PMC9613951 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.981475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malingering of cognitive difficulties constitutes a major issue in psychiatric forensic settings. Here, we present a selective literature review related to the topic of cognitive malingering, psychopathology and their possible connections. Furthermore, we report a single case study of a 60-year-old man with a long and ongoing judicial history who exhibits a suspicious multi-domain neurocognitive disorder with significant reduction of autonomy in daily living, alongside a longtime history of depressive symptoms. Building on this, we suggest the importance of evaluating malingering conditions through both psychiatric and neuropsychological assessment tools. More specifically, the use of Performance Validity Tests (PVTs)-commonly but not quite correctly considered as tests of "malingering"-alongside the collection of clinical history and the use of routine psychometric testing, seems to be crucial in order to detect discrepancies between self-reported patient's symptoms, embedded validity indicators and psychometric results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Bosso
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Flavio Vischia
- Cognitive Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment Centre, North-West Unit Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Keller
- Mental Health Department North-West Unit, Local Health Unit, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Vai
- Cognitive Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment Centre, North-West Unit Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniele Imperiale
- Cognitive Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment Centre, North-West Unit Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Razzak AN, Orlando NA, Angelette A, Kumar V, Anderson DJ, Hasoon J, Viswanath O, Kaye AD, Fitz-Gerald JS, Khater N, Urits I. Rare Mental Health Disorders Affecting Urologic Care: A Comprehensive Review. Health Psychol Res 2022; 10:38674. [PMID: 36628123 PMCID: PMC9820860 DOI: 10.52965/001c.38674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Management of mental health illnesses and needs are important in fostering psychosocial support, interprofessional coordination, and greater adherence to treatment protocols in the field of urology. This can be especially true for mental health conditions that may greatly impact the presentation of a patient in the healthcare setting with urologic symptoms. This review describes the history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder, compulsive sexual behavior/hypersexuality, factitious disorder, malingering symptoms, and conversion disorder in the realm of urology. Given the newly updated psychiatric diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, there has been a lack of studies reviewing how these illnesses may present in a urology patient encounter. Additionally, as these mental health illnesses may carry a rare incidence compared to other well-known mental health illness such as generalized depression or generalized anxiety disorder, we have found that the lack of provisions and recognition of the diseases can prolong the timeline for diagnosis and lead to an increased cost in both healthcare and quality of life of patients with these mental health illnesses. This review provides awareness on these mental health conditions which may greatly impact patient history and presentation within the field of urology. Additionally, urologic care providers may have an improved understanding of interdisciplinary management of such illnesses and the common symptoms patients may present with such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California Irvine
| | | | - Jamal Hasoon
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain MedicineBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants, Envision Physician Services; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine; Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine
| | - Alan D. Kaye
- Department of AnesthesiologyLouisiana State University Health
| | | | - Nazih Khater
- Department of UrologyLouisiana State University Health
| | - Ivan Urits
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
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18
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Abstract
Factitious disorder (FD) is a psychiatric illness in which an individual assumes the role of a patient by manifesting physical or psychological symptoms without conscious or obvious reward. Here, we present the case of a 28-year-old female with a history of endotracheal intubations 19 times secondary to anaphylaxis. During the current hospital visit, she complained of cough, shortness of breath (SOB), arthralgia, wheezing, and rashes over the chest. Serum C1 esterase inhibitor and C4 levels have been negative on multiple occasions. A previous laryngoscopy showed a normal larynx, normal vocal cords, and no obstruction. Due to the patient’s history of multiple invasive procedures, malingering was considered a possible differential diagnosis. The patient also has a past psychiatric history of major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjustment disorder with anxious mood, and anxiety disorder. Her complicated psychiatric history coupled with her multiple endotracheal intubations associated with normal laboratory findings raise the suspicion of factitious disorder. This case is meant to demonstrate the complicated matter of helping a patient whose psychiatric illnesses have put her at risk of serious health complications for the sake of assuming a sick role.
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Analysis of malingered psychological symptoms in a clinical sample for early detection in initial interviews. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 273:427-438. [PMID: 35587278 PMCID: PMC10070281 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01422-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Malingering consists of the production of false physical or psychological symptoms motivated by external incentives that are normally reproduced in pathologies that are not related to organic origin or there are no laboratory tests for their diagnosis, as is the case of mixed anxiety-depressive disorder and fibromyalgia syndrome. The objective of this research consisted of comparing the profile of simulative patients with fibromyalgia and mixed anxiety-depressive disorder to obtain a profile and facilitate its detection in initial interviews. The research was carried out with 78 patients (42 patients with fibromyalgia and 36 patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder) who were administered the professional's structured clinical judgment, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire, and the Structured Symptom Simulation Inventory. The main obtained results show that the simulation classification proposed by the questionnaire is in the range of 66.67-80% with regard to coinciding with the judgment of experts, and people with suspicion of simulation of both groups of patients present similar characteristics. The simulators thus present incongruous responses in relation to the questionnaires, and high levels of trait anxiety, state, and depression predict the simulation of symptoms.
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20
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Fox S. Behavioral Ethics Ecologies of Human-Artificial Intelligence Systems. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12040103. [PMID: 35447675 PMCID: PMC9029794 DOI: 10.3390/bs12040103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, evolution of behaviors often took place in environments that changed little over millennia. By contrast, today, rapid changes to behaviors and environments come from the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and the infrastructures that facilitate its application. Behavioral ethics is concerned with how interactions between individuals and their environments can lead people to questionable decisions and dubious actions. For example, interactions between an individual’s self-regulatory resource depletion and organizational pressure to take non-ethical actions. In this paper, four fundamental questions of behavioral ecology are applied to analyze human behavioral ethics in human–AI systems. These four questions are concerned with assessing the function of behavioral traits, how behavioral traits evolve in populations, what are the mechanisms of behavioral traits, and how they can differ among different individuals. These four fundamental behavioral ecology questions are applied in analysis of human behavioral ethics in human–AI systems. This is achieved through reference to vehicle navigation systems and healthcare diagnostic systems, which are enabled by AI. Overall, the paper provides two main contributions. First, behavioral ecology analysis of behavioral ethics. Second, application of behavioral ecology questions to identify opportunities and challenges for ethical human–AI systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Fox
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland
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21
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Kirkwood B, Mark VW. Consistency of inclusion criteria for functional movement disorder clinical research studies: A systematic review. NeuroRehabilitation 2022; 50:169-178. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-228002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Functional movement disorders (FMDs) are a common cause of disability. With an increasing research interest in FMD, including the emergence of intervention trials, it is crucial that research methodology be examined, and standardized protocols be developed. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the current inclusion criteria used to select patients for FMD research studies and review the consistency and appropriateness of these criteria. METHODS: We identified studies of potential biomarkers for FMD that were published over the last two decades and performed a qualitative analysis on the finally included studies. RESULTS: We identified 79 articles and found inconsistent inclusion criteria. The Fahn-Williams and DSM-IV criteria were the most commonly applied, but neither accounted for the majority (Fahn-Williams 46%, DSM-IV 32% of the total). The selection of the inclusion criteria depended in part on the phenotype of FMD under investigation. We also identified inclusion methodologies that were not appropriate, such as the inclusion of low-certainty diagnoses and diagnosing by excluding specific biomarkers rather than including patients based on clinical characteristics that commonly are thought to suggest FMD. CONCLUSIONS: Significant variability exists with the inclusion criteria for FMD research studies. This variability could limit reproducibility and the appropriate aggregation of data for meta-analysis. Advancing FMD rehabilitation research will need standardized inclusion criteria. We make some suggestions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Kirkwood
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Victor W. Mark
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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22
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Skaggs K, Nelson D, Luu M, Lightdale-Miric N. The Musculoskeletal Care of Children Who Self-Harm. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2022; 104:e21. [PMID: 35122683 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.21.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kira Skaggs
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Danielle Nelson
- Children's Orthopaedic Center, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Minnelly Luu
- Children's Orthopaedic Center, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nina Lightdale-Miric
- Children's Orthopaedic Center, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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23
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Abstract
AbstractAre personality traits related to symptom overreporting and/or symptom underreporting? With this question in mind, we evaluated studies from 1979 to 2020 (k = 55), in which personality traits were linked to scores on stand-alone validity tests, including symptom validity tests (SVTs) and measures of socially desirable responding (SDR) and/or supernormality. As to symptom overreporting (k = 14), associations with depression, alexithymia, apathy, dissociation, and fantasy proneness varied widely from weak to strong (rs .27 to .79). For underreporting (k = 41), inconsistent links (rs − .43 to .63) were found with narcissism, whereas alexithymia and dissociation were often associated with lower SDR tendencies, although effect sizes were small. Taken together, the extant literature mainly consists of cross-sectional studies on single traits and contexts, mostly offering weak correlations that do not necessarily reflect causation. What this field lacks is an overarching theory relating traits to symptom reporting. Longitudinal studies involving a broad range of traits, samples, and incentives would be informative. Until such studies have been done, traits are best viewed as modest concomitants of symptom distortion.
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24
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Brown J, Jonason A, Asp E, McGinn V, Carter MN, Spiller V, Jozan A. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and confabulation in psycholegal settings: A beginner's guide for criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal interviewers. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2022; 40:46-86. [PMID: 34689366 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are neurodevelopmental/neurobehavioral conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Impairments caused by PAE contribute to the over-representation of individuals with FASD in the United States juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. These same impairments can equally impact on individuals with FASD who are witnesses to or victims of crime who also have to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. Difficulties include increased susceptibility to confabulation throughout the legal process that, in turn, can contribute to increased rates of poor outcomes including false confessions and wrongful convictions. Individuals with FASD are particularity at risk of confabulation when they are subjected to tactics, such as stressful and anxiety-provoking situations, threats, and leading, suggestive, or coercive questioning. Many professionals in the forensic context are unfamiliar with FASD or related confabulation risk and may unintentionally utilize tactics that intensify impacts of pre-existing impairment. This article serves as a beginner's guide for professionals working in criminal justice settings by (a) providing research-based overviews of FASD and confabulation, (b) describing how FASD may lead to confabulation, and (c) suggesting ways that professionals can modify protocols when interacting with individuals with FASD. Suggestions in this article hold the potential to decrease the risk of confabulation in the criminal justice system and decrease problematic outcomes, such as false confessions and wrongful convictions among individuals with FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerrod Brown
- Pathways Counseling Center, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
- American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alec Jonason
- Department of Psychology, Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Wesley & Lorene Artz Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center, Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Erik Asp
- Department of Psychology, Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Wesley & Lorene Artz Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center, Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Valerie McGinn
- The FASD Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Megan N Carter
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Social and Health Services, Special Commitment Center, Steilacoom, Washington, USA
| | | | - Amy Jozan
- American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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25
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Feigning Symptoms to Obtain Prescription Stimulants: A Vignette-Based Study on Its Conditions. JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/00220426211055433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This vignette-based study examined the willingness to feign symptoms to obtain a prescription following an analysis on who might use prescription stimulants to enhance performance ( N = 3,468). It experimentally manipulated three factors: the social disapproval of prescription stimulant use for enhancement purposes, the physicians’ diagnostic efforts, and the medical condition (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy); respondent characteristics of self-control, personal morality, and self-efficacy were also measured. Our results showed that social disapproval of prescription drug use, a personal morality that disapproves of drug use, high self-control, and high self-efficacy were negatively associated with the willingness to use. Willingness increased especially in situations of social approval when there was a stronger personal approval of drug use, or surprisingly when physicians’ diagnostic efforts were higher. The feigning willingness was lower in situations of social disapproval and when personal morality disapproved of feigning. Thus, personal and situational characteristics are relevant to understand both behaviors.
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26
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Stinson K, McGuire C, Grayeb D. Addressing the Complexities of Factitious Disorder and its Comorbidities. Psychiatr Ann 2021. [DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20211015-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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27
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Onofrj M, Russo M, Carrarini C, Delli Pizzi S, Thomas A, Bonanni L, Espay AJ, Sensi SL. Functional neurological disorder and somatic symptom disorder in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol Sci 2021; 433:120017. [PMID: 34629180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) in PD was not commonly accepted until recently, despite some evidence that emerged in the pre and early L-Dopa era. More recently, the recognition of FND and SSD were noted to be relevant for the management of PD. FND and SSD appear early in the course of PD, often preceding motor symptoms, may interfere with treatment outcomes, often acquire psychotic features during progression, and are mixed with and often concealed by the progressive cognitive decline. We review the related features from the range of the available reports and discuss theoretical models conceived to explain the potential pathophysiological background of these disorders. Finally, we suggest that FND and SSD should be included among the non-motor symptoms of PD and be considered a prodromal feature in a subset of patients. This article is part of the Special Issue "Parkinsonism across the spectrum of movement disorders and beyond" edited by Joseph Jankovic, Daniel D. Truong and Matteo Bologna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Onofrj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirella Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudia Carrarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Delli Pizzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Molecular Neurology and Behavioral Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Astrid Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Molecular Neurology and Behavioral Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Bonanni
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alberto J Espay
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Molecular Neurology and Behavioral Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Institute for Mind Impairments and Neurological Disorders-iMIND, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.
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28
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Onofrj M, Digiovanni A, Ajdinaj P, Russo M, Carrarini C, Di Giannantonio M, Martinotti G, Sensi SL. The factitious/malingering continuum and its burden on public health costs: a review and experience in an Italian neurology setting. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:4073-4083. [PMID: 34346017 PMCID: PMC8443469 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05422-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Factitious disorder is classified as one of the five aspects of somatic symptom disorders. The fundamental element of factitious disorder is deception, i.e., pretending to have a medical or psychiatric disorder, but the enactment of deception is considered unconscious. Indeed, volition, i.e., the perception of deliberate deception, is blurred in patients presenting with factitious disorder. In the USA and the UK, factitious disorder has received constant media attention because of its forensic implications and outrageous costs for the National Health Systems. Unfortunately, a comparable level of attention is not present in Italian National Health System or the Italian mass media. The review analyzes the classifications, disorder mechanisms, costs, and medico-legal implications in the hope of raising awareness on this disturbing issue. Moreover, the review depicts 13 exemplification cases, anonymized and fictionalized by expert writers. Finally, our paper also evaluates the National Health System's expenditures for each patient, outlandish costs in the range between 50,000 and 1 million euros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Onofrj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy.
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST) "G. D', Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy.
- YDA Foundation, Institute of Immune Therapy and Advanced biological treatment, Pescara, Italy.
| | - Anna Digiovanni
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Ajdinaj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirella Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST) "G. D', Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudia Carrarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Giannantonio
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Herts, UK
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST) "G. D', Annunzio University" of Chieti-Pescara 66100, Chieti, Italy
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29
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Coris EE, Moran B, Sneed K, Del Rossi G, Bindas B, Mehta S, Narducci D. Stimulant Therapy Utilization for Neurocognitive Deficits in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Sports Health 2021; 14:538-548. [PMID: 34292098 DOI: 10.1177/19417381211031842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT There are 3.8 million mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) that occur each year in the United States. Many are left with prolonged life-altering neurocognitive deficits, including difficulties in attention, concentration, mental fatigue, and distractibility. With extensive data on the safety and efficacy of stimulant medications in treating attention deficit, concentration difficulties and distractibility seen with attention deficit disorder, it is not surprising that interest continues regarding the application of stimulant medications for the persistent neurocognitive deficits in some mTBIs. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Studies were extracted from PubMed based on the topics of neurocognitive impairment, mTBI, stimulant use in mTBI, stimulants, and the association between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and mTBI. The search criteria included a date range of 1999 to 2020 in the English language. STUDY DESIGN Literature review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4. RESULTS Currently, there is very limited literature, and no guidelines for evaluating the use of stimulant medication for the treatment of prolonged neurocognitive impairments due to mTBI. However, a limited number of studies have demonstrated efficacy and safety of stimulants in the treatment of neurocognitive sequelae of mTBI in the adult, pediatric, military, and athletic populations. CONCLUSION There is limited evidence to suggest stimulant medication may be beneficial in patients with mTBI with persistent neurocognitive symtpoms. The decision to utilize stimulant medication for mTBI patients remains physician and patient preference dependent. Given the limited encouraging data currently available, physicians may consider stimulant medication in appropriate patients to facilitate the recovery of prolonged neurocognitive deficits, while remaining cognizant of potential adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Coris
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Tampa, Florida.,USF Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Byron Moran
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Tampa, Florida.,USF Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Gianluca Del Rossi
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Bradford Bindas
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Shaan Mehta
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Dusty Narducci
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Tampa, Florida.,USF Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Tampa, Florida
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Sarangi A, Deleon S, Baronia R, Jimenez R, Ibrahim Y. Severe post-traumatic disorder leading to failure of passing asylum interview—a case report. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43045-021-00098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Asylum applicants can benefit from psychiatric evaluation which can explain how culture and mental health symptoms relate to perceived deficits in credibility.
Case presentation
Ms. B presented for psychiatric evaluation, seeking asylum in the USA after multiple threats on her life in Honduras. At initial evaluation, she was diagnosed with depression. On reevaluation, she was found to have panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recommendations included an anxiolytic medication and the use of pre-written statements upon interview. However, Ms. B was sent back to her country of origin despite her severe mental symptoms.
Conclusion
Post-traumatic disorder scales should be used by mental health professionals especially with patients who are not forthcoming about past trauma history to avoid missing this diagnosis. There is a need to inform immigration officials and lawyers about the necessity of accommodating clients’ needs to appropriately present themselves in asylum interviews.
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Sweet JJ, Heilbronner RL, Morgan JE, Larrabee GJ, Rohling ML, Boone KB, Kirkwood MW, Schroeder RW, Suhr JA. American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) 2021 consensus statement on validity assessment: Update of the 2009 AACN consensus conference statement on neuropsychological assessment of effort, response bias, and malingering. Clin Neuropsychol 2021; 35:1053-1106. [PMID: 33823750 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2021.1896036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Citation and download data pertaining to the 2009 AACN consensus statement on validity assessment indicated that the topic maintained high interest in subsequent years, during which key terminology evolved and relevant empirical research proliferated. With a general goal of providing current guidance to the clinical neuropsychology community regarding this important topic, the specific update goals were to: identify current key definitions of terms relevant to validity assessment; learn what experts believe should be reaffirmed from the original consensus paper, as well as new consensus points; and incorporate the latest recommendations regarding the use of validity testing, as well as current application of the term 'malingering.' Methods: In the spring of 2019, four of the original 2009 work group chairs and additional experts for each work group were impaneled. A total of 20 individuals shared ideas and writing drafts until reaching consensus on January 21, 2021. Results: Consensus was reached regarding affirmation of prior salient points that continue to garner clinical and scientific support, as well as creation of new points. The resulting consensus statement addresses definitions and differential diagnosis, performance and symptom validity assessment, and research design and statistical issues. Conclusions/Importance: In order to provide bases for diagnoses and interpretations, the current consensus is that all clinical and forensic evaluations must proactively address the degree to which results of neuropsychological and psychological testing are valid. There is a strong and continually-growing evidence-based literature on which practitioners can confidently base their judgments regarding the selection and interpretation of validity measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry J Sweet
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Martin L Rohling
- Psychology Department, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Kyle B Boone
- California School of Forensic Studies, Alliant International University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael W Kirkwood
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ryan W Schroeder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - Julie A Suhr
- Psychology Department, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
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Validity of Psychiatric Evaluation of Asylum Seekers through Telephone. Case Rep Psychiatry 2021; 2021:8856352. [PMID: 33628562 PMCID: PMC7889332 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8856352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the psychiatric assessment of asylum seekers is to evaluate the asylum seeker's mental health and credibility. The shortage of mental health providers trained in this particular type of evaluation makes in-person evaluation not always feasible. Telephonic interview has been occasionally utilized to fill this void. The validity of such evaluations in assessing credibility has yet to be fully established. In the case of telephonic interviews, evaluators are limited with no access to facial or body language cues that can indicate deception or honesty. We will present a case of a client evaluated via telephone that was deemed credible and eventually released to pursue asylum in the US. Assessment of credibility relied solely on cues obtained from the client's narrative, reported symptoms, and their style of interaction with the evaluator. We will highlight the findings from the client's interview that supported credibility in the case and discuss the challenges of assessing asylum seeker's credibility via telephonic interview. Telephonic evaluation of credibility can be considered a valid method despite major challenges, but psychiatric evaluators should be aware of the limitations of telephonic evaluations given the high possibility of secondary gains and deception.
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Abstract
While research suggests that telling lies can distort memory for the truth, the effects of receiving feedback about the believability about one's lies are not known. We hypothesised that participants who exaggerated the number of stolen items (vs. told the truth) in a mock insurance claim and then received feedback that their statement was believable (vs. not believable) would incorporate this lie into memory. In a two-phase between-subjects design, participants saw images of an office pre- and post-theft and were randomly assigned to report the number of stolen items accurately (truth-tellers) or exaggerate (liars). They were then randomly assigned to receive feedback that their statement was believable or not. Approximately two weeks later, participants' recall of the theft was measured. Liars and truth-tellers recalled a similar number of stolen items, but liars had less accurate recall for exactly which items were stolen. Liars (vs. truth-tellers) also made more omission errors. The majority of participants who fabricated additional stolen items (65.7%) incorporated one or more of these (false) items into their memory. Results suggest that source monitoring errors may lead fabricated details to be incorporated into memory. Although no effects of believability feedback were observed, recommendations for future researchers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leanne Ten Brinke
- Psychology, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
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Hausteiner-Wiehle C, Hungerer S. Factitious Disorders in Everyday Clinical Practice. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 117:452-459. [PMID: 32897184 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2020.0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathological feigning of disease can be seen in all medical disciplines. It is associated with variegated symptom presentations, self-inflicted injuries, forced but unnecessary interventions, unusual and protracted recoveries, and frequent changes of treating physician. Factitious illness is often difficult to distinguish from functional or dissociative disorders on the one hand, and from malingering on the other. Many cases, even fatal ones, probably go unrecognized. The suspicion that a patient's problem may be, at least in part, factitious is subject to a strong taboo and generally rests on supportive rather than conclusive evidence. The danger of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment is high. METHODS On the basis of a selective review of current literature, we summarize the phenomenology of factitious disorders and present concrete strategies for dealing with suspected factitious disorders. RESULTS Through the early recognition and assessment of clues and warning signs, the clinician will be able to judge whether a factitious disorder should be considered as a differential diagnosis, as a comorbid disturbance, or as the suspected main diagnosis. A stepwise, supportive confrontation of the patient with the facts, in which continued therapeutic contact is offered and no proofs or confessions are demanded, can help the patient set aside the sick role in favor of more functional objectives, while still saving face. In contrast, a tough confrontation without empathy may provoke even more elaborate manipulations or precipitate the abrupt discontinuation of care-seeking. CONCLUSION Even in the absence of systematic studies, which will probably remain difficult to carry out, it is clearly the case that feigned, falsified, and induced disorders are underappreciated and potentially dangerous differential diagnoses. If the entire treating team successfully maintains an alert, transparent, empathic, and coping-oriented therapeutic approach, the patient will, in the best case, be able to shed the pretense of disease. Above all, the timely recognition of the nature of the problem by the treating team can prevent further iatrogenic harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Hausteiner-Wiehle
- Consultation-Liaison Psychosomatics, Neurocenter, BG Trauma Center, Murnau, and Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich; Department of Arthroplasty, Consultation-Liaison Psychosomatics, Neurocenter, BG Trauma Center, Murnau, and Institute of Biomechanics, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität (PMU) Salzburg at BG Trauma Center, Murnau
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Sherman EMS, Slick DJ, Iverson GL. Multidimensional Malingering Criteria for Neuropsychological Assessment: A 20-Year Update of the Malingered Neuropsychological Dysfunction Criteria. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2020; 35:735-764. [PMID: 32377667 PMCID: PMC7452950 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acaa019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Empirically informed neuropsychological opinion is critical for determining whether cognitive deficits and symptoms are legitimate, particularly in settings where there are significant external incentives for successful malingering. The Slick, Sherman, and Iversion (1999) criteria for malingered neurocognitive dysfunction (MND) are considered a major milestone in the field's operationalization of neurocognitive malingering and have strongly influenced the development of malingering detection methods, including serving as the criterion of malingering in the validation of several performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs) (Slick, D.J., Sherman, E.M.S., & Iverson, G. L. (1999). Diagnostic criteria for malingered neurocognitive dysfunction: Proposed standards for clinical practice and research. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 13(4), 545-561). However, the MND criteria are long overdue for revision to address advances in malingering research and to address limitations identified by experts in the field. METHOD The MND criteria were critically reviewed, updated with reference to research on malingering, and expanded to address other forms of malingering pertinent to neuropsychological evaluation such as exaggeration of self-reported somatic and psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS The new proposed criteria simplify diagnostic categories, expand and clarify external incentives, more clearly define the role of compelling inconsistencies, address issues concerning PVTs and SVTs (i.e., number administered, false positives, and redundancy), better define the role of SVTs and of marked discrepancies indicative of malingering, and most importantly, clearly define exclusionary criteria based on the last two decades of research on malingering in neuropsychology. Lastly, the new criteria provide specifiers to better describe clinical presentations for use in neuropsychological assessment. CONCLUSIONS The proposed multidimensional malingering criteria that define cognitive, somatic, and psychiatric malingering for use in neuropsychological assessment are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA, USA
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Dandachi-FitzGerald B, Merckelbach H, Bošković I, Jelicic M. Do You Know People Who Feign? Proxy Respondents About Feigned Symptoms. PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY & LAW 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12207-020-09387-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AbstractWe asked students, clinicians, and people from the general population attending a public university lecture (n = 401) whether they knew others who (had) feigned symptoms. We also asked about the type of symptoms and the motives involved. A slight majority of proxy respondents (59%) reported that they knew a person who (had) feigned symptoms, and 34% knew a person who had admitted to them having feigned symptoms. According to our respondents, the most often feigned symptoms were headache/migraine, common cold/fever, and stomachache/nausea, and the most important reasons for doing so were sick leave from work, excusing a failure, and seeking attention from others. We conclude that feigning is part of the normal behavioral repertoire of people and has little to do with deviant personality traits and/or criminal motives. Also, the current emphasis in the neuropsychological literature on malingering, i.e., feigning motivated by external incentives, might be one-sided given that psychological motives, notably seeking attention from others and excuse making, seem to be important determinants of everyday feigning.
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37
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Comparison of Clinical Psychologist and Physician Beliefs and Practices Concerning Malingering: Results from a Mixed Methods Study. PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY & LAW 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12207-020-09374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sahoo S, Kumar R, Oomer F. Concepts and controversies of malingering: A re-look. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 50:101952. [PMID: 32088586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.101952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Since time immemorial, humans have tried to feign physical and mental illnesses for various reasons. This led to the development of the concept of illness deception or malingering when one tries to assume a sick role and feigns signs and symptoms to gain external incentives. The conceptual framework of malingering has undergone several changes and there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that malingering exists. However, the diagnosis of malingering has not yet been established in the mainstream psychiatric nosological systems and still it is present in the appendices as an additional area requiring attention. This is due to the poor construct validity of the diagnosis, problems in defining malingering, problems in assessment by psychological tests and clinical assessment methodology, no well-established guidelines to detect malingering and issues related to labelling/reporting malingering. Because of several controversies in multiple domains of assessment and ethical-social issues, malingering as a distinct entity is grossly neglected. In the upcoming arena of law suits and consumer benefits suits, it is extremely important to have a better understanding of the conceptual issues related to malingering and the controversies related to it. In this review, a brief overview of evolution of concepts and controversies related to malingering is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapnajeet Sahoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Rajeet Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Fareed Oomer
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
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Merten T, Kaminski A, Pfeiffer W. Prevalence of overreporting on symptom validity tests in a large sample of psychosomatic rehabilitation inpatients. Clin Neuropsychol 2019; 34:1004-1024. [PMID: 31775575 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2019.1694073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Noncredible symptom claims, regularly expected in forensic contexts, may also occur in clinical and rehabilitation referral contexts. Hidden motives and secondary gain expectations may play a significant role in clinical patients. We studied the prevalence of noncredible symptom report in patients treated for minor mental disorders in an inpatient setting.Method: Five hundred and thirty seven clinical inpatients of a psychosomatic rehabilitation center were studied (mean age: 50.2 years; native speakers of German). They were referred for treatment of depression, anxiety, somatoform disorder, adjustment disorder, and neurasthenia. Results of two symptom validity tests (Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology, SIMS; Self-Report Symptom Inventory, SRSI) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were analyzed.Results: At screening level, 34.5% and 29.8% of the patients were found to presumably overreport symptoms on the SIMS and SRSI, respectively. At the standard cut score of the SRSI (maximum false positive rate: 5%), the proportion of diagnosed overreporting was 18.8%. SIMS and SRSI pseudosymptom endorsement correlated at .73. Highly elevated depressive symptom claims with BDI-II scores above 40, found in 9.3% of the patients, were associated with elevated pseudosymptom endorsement. Moreover, extended times of sick leave and higher expectations of disability pension were associated with elevated pseudosymptom endorsement.Conclusions: The prevalence of symptom overreporting in some clinical patient groups is a serious, yet underinvestigated problem. The current estimates yielded a high prevalence of distorted, noncredible symptom claims in psychosomatic rehabilitation patients. The challenges arising to health professionals working in such settings are immense and need more consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Merten
- Department of Neurology, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
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Merckelbach H, Dandachi-FitzGerald B, van Helvoort D, Jelicic M, Otgaar H. When Patients Overreport Symptoms: More Than Just Malingering. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0963721419837681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Mental-health patients may report more symptoms than they actually experience. Experts and laypeople often view this overreporting as a sign of malingering. We show that there are multiple pathways to symptom overreporting: carryover effects from previous tests that lower the threshold for answering affirmatively to symptom items, suggestive misinformation that escalates symptom reports, inattentive responding that promotes indiscriminate endorsement of symptoms, and personality traits that bias symptom reports in an upward direction. A one-sided focus on malingering may distract from a research agenda that may contribute to knowledge accumulation in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Henry Otgaar
- Forensic Psychology Section, Maastricht University
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