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Dissimulation in forensic psychiatric evaluations, a case-control study of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial

Roberta Risola1, Gabriele Mandarelli2, Ignazio Grattagliano1

  • 1Department of Educational Science Psychology and Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.

Forensic Sciences Research
|April 3, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Forensic evaluations face challenges with dissimulation, where individuals minimize symptoms. The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) identified higher scores in dissimulators on specific scales, aiding assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Psychology
  • Psychopathology Assessment

Background:

  • Dissimulation, the concealment of mental health symptoms, poses significant challenges in forensic evaluations.
  • Accurate assessment is crucial for reliable forensic psychological and psychiatric findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) scores between dissimulators and non-dissimulators.
  • To determine the utility of the MCMI-III in identifying dissimulation in forensic settings.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study using archival data from a university forensic psychiatric center (2013-2022).
  • Matched samples of 40 dissimulators and 40 non-dissimulators based on age, sex, and diagnosis.
  • Analysis of MCMI-III scale scores between the two groups.

Main Results:

  • Dissimulators exhibited significantly higher scores on the Desirability, Histrionic, Narcissistic, and Compulsive MCMI-III scales.
  • A strong positive correlation was found between these scales and dissimulation.
  • Most other MCMI-III scales showed a negative correlation with dissimulation.

Conclusions:

  • The MCMI-III can be a valuable tool for forensic psychologists and psychiatrists in detecting dissimulation.
  • Specific MCMI-III scales (Desirability, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Compulsive) are potential indicators of symptom minimization in forensic evaluations.
Keywords:
Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-IIIdissimulationforensic psychiatric evaluationforensic psychological evaluationmental disorders

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