[Malingering of post-traumatic stress disorder]

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a frequently diagnosed disorder. Expert assessments of claimants with PTSD symptoms have become a common challenge for physicians in civil lawsuits. Since diagnosis of PTSD relies primarily on the patient's subjective report, this syndrome is particularly vulnerable to malingering. For this reason, it is important for physicians to try to identify individuals with true PTSD and differentiate them from those who malinger the disorder. This paper outlines the general problems and assessment strategies involved in the detection of malingering. A special focus is placed on the typical presentation of malingered PTSD symptoms.