RESUMO
The Reitan Society recognizes that adhering to the scientific method in conducting clinical neuropsychological evaluations is integral to neurodiagnostic accuracy. The role of science in clinical studies is discussed with specific reference to the scientific features of the Halstead-Reitan Test Battery (HRB). The diagnostic precision of the HRB across a wide range of neuropathological states is presented as a product of rigorous scientific interplay between empirical observation and the development of a conceptual model over more than five decades.
Assuntos
Comportamento , Encéfalo/fisiologia , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Encefalopatias/diagnóstico , Encefalopatias/psicologia , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Lateralidade Funcional , Humanos , Modelos Psicológicos , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study used the Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT) to examine exaggeration of memory impairment in disability claimants. METHODS: The MSVT was administered to patients with soft tissue injuries undergoing an independent medical examination (IME). Their results were compared with those from groups of volunteers who were either trying their best on the test or simulating memory impairment. RESULTS: Non-French-speaking volunteers, who were tested in French, showed near perfect performance on the effort subtests, but 42% of IME patients failed the effort tests in English. Their overall results were very similar to those of simulators. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that exaggeration of cognitive symptoms is widespread in disability-related evaluations. It would be unwise to accept self-reported memory complaints at face value. Criteria-normed symptom validity testing should be done to rule out symptom exaggeration.