Detection of malingering in assessment of adult ADHD

Comparisons of two assessment measures for ADHD: the ADHD Behavior Checklist and the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA CPT) were examined using undergraduates (n = 44) randomly assigned to a control or a simulated malingerer condition and undergraduates with a valid diagnosis of ADHD (n = 16). It was predicted that malingerers would successfully fake ADHD on the rating scale but not on the CPT for which they would overcompensate, scoring lower than all other groups. Analyses indicated that the ADHD Behavior Rating Scale was successfully faked for childhood and current symptoms. IVA CPT could not be faked on 81% of its scales. The CPT's impairment index results revealed: sensitivity 94%, specificity 91%, PPP88%, NPP95%. Results provide support for the inclusion of a CPT in assessment of adult ADHD. (C) 2002 National Academy of Neuropsychology. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.