Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Objective tests of symptom exaggeration in independent medical examinations
Jack Richman1, Paul Green, Roger Gervais
1AssessMed, Toronto, Canada. jrichman@assessmed.com
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.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Self-Report Tests of Personality
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Data Collection III
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.

