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Feigning Adult ADHD on a Comprehensive Neuropsychological Test Battery: An Analogue Study

Author

Listed:
  • Miriam Becke

    (Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Lara Tucha

    (Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany)

  • Marah Butzbach

    (Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Steffen Aschenbrenner

    (Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad, Germany)

  • Matthias Weisbrod

    (Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad, Germany
    Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Oliver Tucha

    (Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
    Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
    Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland, W23 F2K8 Maynooth, Ireland)

  • Anselm B. M. Fuermaier

    (Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The evaluation of performance validity is an essential part of any neuropsychological evaluation. Validity indicators embedded in routine neuropsychological tests offer a time-efficient option for sampling performance validity throughout the assessment while reducing vulnerability to coaching. By administering a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery to 57 adults with ADHD, 60 neurotypical controls, and 151 instructed simulators, we examined each test’s utility in detecting noncredible performance. Cut-off scores were derived for all available outcome variables. Although all ensured at least 90% specificity in the ADHD Group, sensitivity differed significantly between tests, ranging from 0% to 64.9%. Tests of selective attention, vigilance, and inhibition were most useful in detecting the instructed simulation of adult ADHD, whereas figural fluency and task switching lacked sensitivity. Five or more test variables demonstrating results in the second to fourth percentile were rare among cases of genuine adult ADHD but identified approximately 58% of instructed simulators.

Suggested Citation

  • Miriam Becke & Lara Tucha & Marah Butzbach & Steffen Aschenbrenner & Matthias Weisbrod & Oliver Tucha & Anselm B. M. Fuermaier, 2023. "Feigning Adult ADHD on a Comprehensive Neuropsychological Test Battery: An Analogue Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4070-:d:1079286
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