Detection of Response Bias and Noncredible Performance in Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are frequently prescribed stimulant medication and eligible for accommodations at work or school that serve as potent incentives to feign ADHD symptoms. The current investigation examined the predictive validity of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) validity scales in detecting and accurately classifying individuals attempting to feign ADHD. An archival ADHD clinical group (n = 34), normal control group (n = 37), and group instructed to feign ADHD symptoms (n = 32) completed the MMPI-2 and ADHD Current and Childhood Symptoms Scales. Behavior rating scales were unable to differentiate the clinical group from the simulated malingering group. Logistic regressions revealed that Infrequency-Psychopathology scale best detected response bias, followed by Infrequency scale, Back-Infrequency scale, Response Bias Scale (RBS), Henry-Heilbronner Index scale (HHI), and Fake Bad Scale (FBS). Results also indicate that recommended cutoffs for HHI, RBS, and FBS display inadequate sensitivity and specificity. Nevertheless, the MMPI-2 offers a number of validity indices that may assist in detecting individuals attempting to feign ADHD.