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Can the MMPI-2 validity scales detect depression feigned by experts?
R M Bagby1, R A Nicholson, T Buis
1Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Clarke Division, University of Toronto, Canada. michael_bagby@camh.net
Assessment
|February 11, 2000
Summary
Detecting feigned depression is crucial for psychiatric disability claims. The study found that the MMPI-2
Area of Science:
- Psychological assessment
- Psychiatry
- Forensic psychology
Background:
- Major depression is a common psychiatric disability claim.
- Exaggeration or fabrication of mental illness occurs in disability claims.
- Accurate detection of feigned depression is vital for disability assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MMPI-2 validity scales in detecting feigned depression.
- To compare the performance of different MMPI-2 validity indicators.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three mental health professionals completed the MMPI-2 simulating major depression.
- Their MMPI-2 protocols were compared to those of actual major depression patients.
- The efficacy of MMPI-2 validity scales (F, FB, Ds) was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Scales F, FB, and Ds successfully distinguished feigned from genuine depression.
- The FB (back F) scale was the most effective indicator.
- Expert clinicians were unable to convincingly feign major depression on the MMPI-2.
Conclusions:
- The MMPI-2, particularly the FB scale, is effective in detecting feigned depression.
- Expertise in mental health does not guarantee successful simulation of depression.
- FB scale shows high potential for identifying malingering in depression claims.