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Detection of malingered attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine whether malingering of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be detected using a self-report rating scale. A sample of 78 university students was allocated to three different conditions. The conditions were (a) a control group, (b) a naïve simulation group and (c) a coached simulation group. Furthermore, 12 adult students with a diagnosed ADHD participated in the present study. Participants were administered the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale for Adults. While the control group and the patient group were asked to complete the scale with accuracy, the simulation groups were requested to feign an ADHD. Statistical analysis revealed that both simulation groups were able to successfully feign an ADHD. The results indicate that self-report rating measures are not sensitive enough to allow the detection of feigned ADHD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK

    Lara Tucha

  2. Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

    Thomas A. Sontag & Klaus W. Lange

  3. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Susanne Walitza

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  1. Lara Tucha
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  2. Thomas A. Sontag
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  4. Klaus W. Lange
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Correspondence to Lara Tucha.

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Tucha, L., Sontag, T.A., Walitza, S. et al. Detection of malingered attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD Atten Def Hyp Disord 1, 47–53 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-009-0007-1

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