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Clinical Validation of an ADHD Dissimulation Scale (Ds-ADHD) on the MMPI-2-RF

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Abstract

Robinson and Rogers (J Psychopathol Behav Assess 40(3):376–385, 2018) introduced an ADHD Dissimulation (Ds-ADHD) Scale for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) that has not yet been clinically validated. The current study examined its utility among a sample of U.S. Veterans. The sample (n = 236) was separately divided according to Performance and Symptom Validity Tests. The relationships between the Ds-ADHD scale and other standard measures were also examined. The Ds-ADHD scale effectively classified cases according to both performance and symptom validity statuses, but the sensitivity was lower than was previously observed. While there was poor discrimination according to performance validity status, there was acceptable discrimination according to symptom validity status. The Ds-ADHD scale identified group status over and above the traditional MMPI-2-RF validity scales. Ds-ADHD scores from participants who produced credible performance were not significantly correlated with performance on a sustained attention test. Results provided limited support for the use of Ds-ADHD scale during neuropsychological evaluations in which there is a question about a potential adult ADHD diagnosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. (Memphis) VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN, USA

    Timothy J. Arentsen, Christopher T. Burley, Holly R. Winiarski, Marcy C. Adler, Jennifer S. Seeley McGee & Brad L. Roper

  2. Semmes Murphey Clinic, 6325 Humphreys Blvd, Memphis, TN, 38120, USA

    Timothy J. Arentsen

  3. University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA

    Timothy J. Arentsen, Marcy C. Adler & Brad L. Roper

  4. University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA

    Katie M. Califano

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All research was conducted under the oversight of the Memphis VA Medical Center IRB. This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the Department of VA Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee.

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Arentsen, T.J., Burley, C.T., Winiarski, H.R. et al. Clinical Validation of an ADHD Dissimulation Scale (Ds-ADHD) on the MMPI-2-RF. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 46, 158–169 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-023-10110-3

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