Malingering Assessments in a Correctional Environment
Author: Charles Scott, MD.; Barbara McDermott, PhD.; David Bobb, MD.; Rodney Reid, MD, PhD.
Source: Volume 13, Number 05, July/August 2012 , pp.65-71(7)
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Abstract:
Inmates may malinger mental health symptoms for a variety of reasons. However, a significant number of inmates suffer from legitimate and serious mental disorders. Therefore, correctional mental health evaluators should use caution in assessing an inmate as malingering in the absence of obvious clinical indicators, appropriate psychological assessment, or relevant collateral interview. Documentation of exact quotes and observed behaviors are highly recommended. Malingering assessments can be extremely challenging as malingering is easy to suspect, yet difficult to prove.Keywords: DSM-IV-TR, somatoform disorders, psychiatric symptoms, depression, Clinical Decision Model, Psychological Tests
Affiliations:
1: University of California Davis Medical Center—Sacramento; 2: Napa State Hospital; 3: University of California Davis Medical Center—Sacramento; 4: University of California Davis Medical Center—Sacramento.