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Symptom validity issues in the psychological consultative examination for social security disability
1ABPP, 3520 General DeGaulle Dr.#4098, New Orleans, LA 70131, USA. mikechaf@yahoo.com
The Clinical Neuropsychologist
|June 8, 2010
Summary
This article explains Social Security Administration policy on Psychological Consultative Examinations for disability claims. It details how psychologists validate findings, especially for low-functioning claimants, using symptom validity testing and avoiding mislabeling.
Area of Science:
- Psychological assessment
- Disability evaluation
- Social Security policy
Background:
- Psychological Consultative Examinations (PCE) are crucial for Social Security Disability (SSD) claims.
- Understanding psychologist roles, ethics, and challenges with low-functioning claimants is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify Social Security Administration (SSA) policy on validating PCE responses and findings.
- To explore symptom validity testing (SVT) in low-functioning claimants.
- To provide guidance on avoiding mislabeling claimants as malingerers.
Main Methods:
- Review of SSA policy regarding psychological evaluations.
- Examination of non-credible behaviors and malingering in PCEs.
- Analysis of symptom validity testing (SVT) techniques and their application.
Main Results:
- SSA policy emphasizes the use of accepted diagnostic techniques for validating findings.
- Symptom validity testing (SVT) is a key tool, particularly for low-functioning claimants.
- Psychological science and evidence-based practices aid in accurate disability assessments.
Conclusions:
- Proper validation of PCE findings is critical for fair disability determinations.
- Psychologists must adhere to ethical boundaries and employ scientifically supported methods.
- Accurate assessment, avoiding mislabeling, ensures claimants receive appropriate benefits.
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