Cross-validation of the MMPI dissimulation ADHD scale in a sample of adults presenting for ADHD evaluation

Objective: There are few attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-specific symptom validity tests (SVTs) available. The revised Dissimulation ADHD scale (Ds-ADHD-r) was developed to identify noncredible reporting on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The current study examines whether the Ds-ADHD-r can identify noncredible performance and reporting in a clinical sample. Method: Participants (N = 113) completed neuropsychological evaluations in an university clinic, including the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS), MMPI-2-RF or MMPI-3, at least one standalone performance validity test (PVT), and at least four embedded PVTs. Noncredible groups were created based on falling above or below the cutoff on at least one PVT or falling above or below the cutoff on one SVT. Results: Those who scored above the SVT cutoffs scored higher on both the RBS and the Ds-ADHD-r compared to those who scored below the SVT cutoffs, while PVT performance groups did not differ on either the RBS or Ds-ADHD-r. The Ds-ADHD-r demonstrated greater utility in identifying symptom overreporting when compared to the MMPI RBS. The Ds-ADHD-r did not show utility in detecting noncredible performance. In correlation analyses, the Ds-ADHD-r was more strongly correlated to MMPI F and F scales as compared to FBS and RBS. Conclusions: Results support the utility of the Ds-ADHD-r to detect symptom overreporting in adults seeking evaluation for ADHD, though validation in additional, more diverse samples are needed.