ABSTRACT
There have been numerous methods developed for the detection of valid profiles on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-2. The current study examined a method of combining seven different validity scales of the MMPI-2 into a common weighted method in assessing malingering in chronic pain patients. The weighted method was able to correctly classify 100% of nonlitigants, using a cutoff score of > or =5. The findings of this study suggest that chronic pain patients in litigation produce a different profile on the MMPI-2 validity scales than do nonlitigants. In a group of knowledgeable actors (malingerers), 86% was correctly classified. The overall finding showed 100% specificity and 86% sensitivity. The findings support the need for multiple validity scales to be examined in determining a valid profile. The weighted validity scales method was robust enough to account for "emotional distress" and still identify invalid MMPI-2 performance.
ABSTRACT
The object of this study was to provide an expanded normative base for the Dichotic Word Listening Test (DWLT), with particular emphasis on the performance of older individuals. The normative study consisted of 336 community living volunteers. These new norms were used to compare several groups of neurologically impaired patient groups. DWLT was found to be sensitive to the presence of brain injury, and also to the degree of acute injury as measured by loss of consciousness. The results of the short form version of the DWLT test showed 100% specificity and 60% sensitivity for mildly brain-injured patients to 80% sensitivity for more severely brain-injured patients. The respective sensitivities for Left CVA and Right CVA were 55% and 88%. The present findings suggest that the DWLT is a valid and easy to use clinical tool.
