Abstract
Objective
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is vulnerable to feigning. This presents a major challenge for clinicians who must differentiate between genuine and feigned presentations. Past studies have shown that in genuine PTSD the symptom profiles varies as a function of trauma type. It is not yet clear if this variation also occurs for feigned PTSD.
Method
Sixty participants were each randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions. Both conditions provided: i) coaching about PTSD and ii) instructions to feign PTSD as if for financial gain. The trigger event in the conditions was either sexual assault (SA) or a motor vehicle collision (MVC), and it was manipulated in a written vignette. Outcomes were assessed via standardized measures for PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) and profile invalidity (Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomology [SIMS]).
Results
All participants exceeded the PCL-5 and SIMS cut scores, indicating a plausible PTSD symptom profile with over-reported (detectable) symptoms. However, there were no statistically significant group differences on the PCL-5 or SIMS at the overall, subscale, or profile levels (all p’s > 0.05).
Conclusions
Unlike genuine PTSD, in simulated PTSD the symptom profile did not differ by trauma type. The feigned performance was detected on the SIMS which could recommend this test, and this requires further investigation. If understanding of the genuine PTSD profiles for different trauma types is further developed and if our result is replicated, the future use of profile-analyses could assist clinicians when evaluating feigned PTSD.
Assessment and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder after a motor vehicle collision: Empirical findings and clinical observations.
