Feigning attention deficits across assessments: the consistency of performance in repeated assessments as a source of detecting feigned ADHD

Kwasniewska, Nina (2023) Feigning attention deficits across assessments: the consistency of performance in repeated assessments as a source of detecting feigned ADHD. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Background: Potential benefits of ADHD diagnosis in adulthood raised the susceptibility of invalid performance during assessment. Performance validity tests (PVT) were proven to be effective tools in malingering detection in one-time assessment, however using combinations of PVTs and consistency of feigning behaviors across assessments received limited attention in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PVTs in detecting feigned ADHD and the consistency of feigning behaviors over time through repeated identical reassessments. Methods: Seventy-five participants, including 44 recruited through personal networks and the SONA system, were included in this simulation study and assigned to control and feigning conditions. Additionally, archival data from 20 ADHD patients and 10 controls were used. Assessments were conducted at three-time points within 2 months using the Reliable Digit Span, Groningen Effort Test (GET), and WAFV tests. Variability scores were calculated to compare feigned and genuine ADHD across assessments. Results: Significant differences in scores between patients and feigners on one-time assessment and across assessments were found. One-time assessment scores accounted for more variance in malingering detection than the reassessments. Variability scores had an added value in the logistic regression hierarchical model. Conclusion: All PVTs were found effective in malingering detection in one-time assessment. No PVT was found to be universally superior and the benefits of using both types were suggested. The inconsistency of feigning was detected and variability in scores across assessments increased the predictability of noncredible performance. Reassessment was concluded to be of minimal costs and beneficial to utilize.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Fuermaier, A.B.M.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	21 Jul 2023 09:15
Last Modified:	21 Jul 2023 09:15
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2514

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