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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
07:26
The Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) Task: A Simple Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate False Memories in the Laboratory
Published on: January 31, 2017
Depression and the Test of Memory Malingering.
L M Rees1, T N Tombaugh, L Boulay
1Ottawa Concussion Clinic, Carleton University, Room B550, Loeb Building, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6 Canada. lrees@ccs.carleton.ca
Summary
The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) effectively detects memory faking and is unaffected by major depression. Scores below 45 reliably indicate malingering, not genuine memory issues or depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) is validated for detecting exaggerated memory deficits.
- Existing research indicates TOMM is insensitive to genuine neurological impairments.
- Limited research exists on the impact of affective disorders on TOMM performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the performance of major depressive inpatients on the TOMM.
- To determine if affective state influences TOMM results.
Main Methods:
- Inpatients diagnosed with major depression were administered the TOMM.
- Performance metrics on the TOMM were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The TOMM performance was not significantly affected by the affective state of the participants.
- Depression did not appear to influence scores on the memory malingering test.
Conclusions:
- The TOMM is a robust measure, unaffected by major depressive disorder.
- Scores below 45 on the TOMM are unlikely to be due to depression, neurological issues, age, or education, suggesting malingering.
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