RESUMO
Few studies of measures or techniques designed to detect feigning of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have included groups reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety. Based on the high rate of comorbidity between ADHD and mood disorders, inclusion of such groups is important to mimic clinical referral patterns. The current study evaluated the validity of the ADHD Symptom Infrequency Scale (ASIS), a measure designed to detect malingered symptoms of ADHD, in a four-known groups design that included a group consisting of subjects with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Four groups were included in the current study: (1) control, (2) simulator, (3) ADHD diagnosed, (4) individuals with elevated symptoms of depression/anxiety. The ASIS Infrequency scale showed strong internal consistency (α = .83). Discriminant validity for the Infrequency Scale was established through a low correlation between the ASIS scale assessing feigning and a measure of anxiety and depression (r = -.02). Sensitivity was high for detection of simulation (.71), while specificity was high across comparisons, ranging from .86 to .99. Results support the ASIS as a reliable and valid measure of ADHD that is sensitive to feigning, even when including a sample of individuals reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety.
