Symptom validity assessment in neuropsychology
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to give an introduction into symptom validity assessment (SVA) to non‐experts in the field of neuropsychology.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis is based on the knowledge of the progress in this field which can be conceived as one of the most prolific developments in forensic neuropsychological assessment.
Findings
By its very nature, clinical neuropsychology is a data‐driven discipline, both on the level of single‐case assessment and in research. In forensic contexts where secondary gain is immanent, uncooperativeness and malingering may threaten the integrity of data, so much so that no valid conclusions may be drawn from the data.
Originality/value
In the last 20 years, clinical and forensic neuropsychologists have been more prominent in the development of methods to detect response distortions and to identify malingering than any other profession. In forensic contexts, neuropsychological evaluations without SVA must be considered incomplete. Clinically and forensically working psychologists should strive to have a thorough knowledge of symptom validity assessment.
Keywords
Citation
Merten, T. (2013), "Symptom validity assessment in neuropsychology", Social Care and Neurodisability, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 64-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCN-01-2013-0001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited