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Objective: Research consistently shows how easily students can feign symptoms of ADHD on self-report checklists to determine eligibility for curricular and standardized testing accommodations. However, it is unclear how easily students can feign psychological symptoms to accesses academic accommodations, making the assessment of symptom validity important in both populations.Method: Using a between-subjects design, 75 college students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) coached feigning of ADHD, (2) coached feigning of depression and anxiety (DA), and (3) honest responding (HR). Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology (SIMS).Results: The SIMS showed 100% specificity, but low sensitivity (36-52%) for detecting feigned symptoms with different cutoffs. Differences on SIMS subtests were apparent by group with elevated scores for the DA group on the Affective Disorders subscale and elevation for the ADHD group on the Low Intelligence and Amnestic subscales. Participants identified as feigning by the SIMS typically reported more severe symptoms than participants not identified on the DASS-21.Conclusions: The SIMS equally classified the feigned ADHD and DA participants for both cutoff scores utilized. Potential reasons for low sensitivity rates are discussed and future research recommendations are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty undergraduate subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups and completed the Seashore Rhythm Test (SRT) as part of an investigation regarding simulated neuropsychological impairment. A sophisticated simulator group was instructed to feign impairment and was provided information regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI) sequelae. A naive simulator group was instructed to feign impairment, but was given no such information. A control group was instructed to perform optimally. Additionally, SRT scores for 20 TBI subjects who completed neuropsychological evaluations were analyzed. Mean SRT scores for the sophisticated and naive simulators did not differ but were significantly lower when compared to control subjects and TBI subjects. A discriminate function analysis cutting score correctly classified 79% of subjects, while classification rates obtained with two previously investigated cutting scores were 64% and 72%. Implications of using these cutting scores are discussed. The findings indicate the SRT is a useful indicator of feigned neurological impairment.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the construct validity of the computer version of the Category Test (CT) in relation to the standard version. As part of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, outpatient rehabilitation clients completed either the standard CT (n = 49) or the computerized version (n = 56). Two principal component factor analyses were performed and the factor structures compared to a solution reported previously in the literature. Inspection of the factor loadings revealed a similarity between the computerized CT and standard CT groups as well as with the previously reported analysis. The results of this study suggest that regardless of the mode of administration the CT loads on a 'spatial abilities' factor and provides support for the construct validity of the computerized CT as part of a comprehensive neuropsychological testing battery.

Comparisons between the East Boston Memory Test (EBMT), a brief verbal memory measure used in epidemiological studies with dementia, selected Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) subtests, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were investigated with 23 geriatric patients diagnosed with dementia. Significant correlations between the EBMT and WMS-R verbal subtests were predicted and occurred (r = .42 to .64). A five minute EBMT recall correlated most highly with the WMS-R Logical Memory subtests. The sensitivity of the EBMT in detecting cognitive impairment was investigated and compared with the sensitivity of the MMSE. The EBMT correctly classified 78% of subjects, compared to a 70% correct classification rate with the MMSE. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research directions are discussed.

Usage of the WMS-R Visual Reproduction subtest on a sample of 39 subjects aided in assessing deficient visual memory in subjects with constructional impairment. However, notwithstanding their mental states, all subjects performed equally in response to the WMS-R Logical Memory subtests, which ascertained verbal memory levels.

Cognitively intact anxious elderly subjects were randomly assigned to either a progressive muscle relaxation-training condition or control condition (ns = 15) and then completed selected subtests from the Wechsler Memory Scale - Revised. Despite significant reductions in state anxiety in the relaxation group, no significant differences were detected between the two groups on memory measures. These results are discussed within the context of previous research, and suggestions for further research are made.

While the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery, Screening Module (S-NAB) is a commonly used cognitive screening measure, no composite embedded performance validity test (PVT) formula has yet been described within it. This study sought to empirically derive PVT formulas within the S-NAB using an analog simulation paradigm. Seventy-two university students (M age = 18.92) were randomly assigned to either an Asymptomatic (AS) or simulated mild traumatic brain injury (S-mTBI) group and were administered a neuropsychological test battery that included the S-NAB and standalone and embedded PVTs. The AS group was instructed to perform optimally, and the S-mTBI group received symptom and test coaching to help simulate mTBI-related impairment. Both groups received warnings regarding the presence of PVTs throughout the test battery. Groups showed significant differences (all ps <.001) on all S-NAB domain scores and PVTs. In the S-NAB, the Attention (S-ATT) and Executive Function (S-EXE) domains showed the largest effect sizes (Cohen's ds = 2.02 and 1.79, respectively). Seven raw scores from S-ATT and S-EXE subtests were entered as predictor variables in a direct logistic regression (LR). The model accurately classified 90.3% of cases. Two PVT formulas were described: (1) an exponentiated equation from LR results and (2) an arithmetic formula using four individually meaningful variables. Both formulas demonstrated outstanding discriminability between groups (AUCs =.96–.97) and yielded good classification statistics compared to other PVTs. This study is the first to describe composite, embedded PVT formulas within the S-NAB. Implications, limitations, and appropriate future directions of inquiry are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Independent Living Scales Health and Safety (ILS HS) scale is commonly used by neuropsychologists when evaluating older adults' instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). However, there is a minimal amount of research on its use in dementia populations and, specifically, its relationship to other neuropsychological measures. The present study investigated relationships between the ILS HS scale and measures of cognition and depression. The study utilized archival data from a sample (N = 142) of older adults (mean age = 77.85) diagnosed with dementia, who were evaluated at Saint Louis University Medical Center and administered the ILS HS scale as part of a larger clinical neuropsychological evaluation. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that up to 37% of the variance in ILS HS performance was accounted for by demographic variables, premorbid intelligence, and cognitive functioning (e.g., global cognition, delayed verbal recall, and executive functioning), and regression models demonstrated medium to large effect sizes. Depression and self- or informant-reported IADLs were unrelated to the ILS HS scale. Results suggest that older adults' ability to function in health and safety-related situations requires a range of cognitive abilities. Performance on these measures may help guide clinical decision making regarding independent living and treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For elderly volunteers (10 high and 10 low on anxiety) scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, Mini-Mental State Examination, and sub-tests of the Wechsler Memory Scale - Revised suggested anxiety adversely affected sustained attention of these elderly persons, but may not be evident on verbal and figural memory tasks.

Purpose: The present study examined the relationships between the frequency and functions of reminiscence, personality styles, and psychological functioning. There is little research on the psychological factors that correlate with reminiscence, especially in relationship to clinical constructs such as depression and anxiety. Research in the area of reminiscence functions may facilitate a better understanding of the factors affecting change in reminiscence therapies. Design and Methods: Seventy-seven healthy older adults completed the following self-report scales: Reminiscence Functions Scale, NEO Five Factor Personality Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory--Second Edition, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Templer-McMordie Death Anxiety Scale. Results: Using canonical correlation techniques, results indicated that individuals with negative psychological functioning frequently reminisce as a way to refresh bitter memories, reduce boredom, and prepare for death. Implications: The present study provides implications for both researchers and clinicians. Contrary to previous studies, results indicate that depressed and anxious older adults commonly use reminiscence and therefore may be appropriate candidates for reminiscence treatments. Key Words: Anxiety, Depression, Death anxiety

A lower means WAIS--R Performance IQ and lower mean scores on the Arithmetic and Picture Arrangement subtests for dementia patients with affective disorder (n = 22) versus dementia patients without affective disorder (n = 10) are presented. Implications of these findings and suggestions for further research are tendered.