Detection and management of malingering in people presenting for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: methods, obstacles, and recommendations

J Anxiety Disord. 2007;21(1):22-41. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2006.03.016. Epub 2006 May 2.

Abstract

Malingering of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become a growing concern, particularly in healthcare and other settings in which the diagnosis is associated with financial incentives such as disability benefits. Although there is a steadily increasing body of research on methods for detecting PTSD malingering, little has been written on the assessment and practical management of malingering in treatment settings. The present article addresses this important issue, including a review of the methods, obstacles, and possible solutions for assessing PTSD malingering, along with suggestions for managing cases in which malingering is strongly suspected.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Compensation and Redress / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Liability, Legal
  • MMPI
  • Male
  • Malingering / diagnosis*
  • Malingering / economics
  • Malingering / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Psychophysiology / methods
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy
  • United States

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors