Assessing malingered posttraumatic stress disorder: a critical review

Abstract

This article is a critical examination of the current state of the literature regarding the assessment of malingered posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). First, published empirical studies that examine the assessment of malingering in PTSD claimants using the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria are summarized. Next, conceptual and methodological strengths, weakness, and limitations of existing research are outlined. Currently, there is no method or single instrument that is universally recognized as being the best tool to detect malingering in PTSD claimants. Lastly, recommendations for future investigations are provided.