That’s great question, and there are certainly people who will attempt this. Although numbers vary, research generally shows that close to 20% (1 in 5) criminal defendants will attempt to malinger during a forensic psychological evaluations.As Hoagie mentioned, there are a variety of detection strategies. Consideration for consistency is an important one as is using psychological tests specifically designed for this purpose, knowing common feigning strategies, careful documentation and behavioral observation, and a solid understanding of the scientific literature on the topic.
Well, that depends on the type of mental disorder. There are many mental disorders, so, it’s hard to give them all general symptoms. Or do you mean mental illness? Mental illness is more of a general term.
There is also a mental disorder known as Factitious Disorder where people actually falsify symptoms of a physical or mental disability but don't do it intentionally or for external incentives. I am sure this could be difficult to identify during a criminal case and may even be misdiagnosed as malingering if the doctor doesn't have the defendants history.
@hoagie30_ very true. A lot of people continue to use the term Munchausen by Proxy. Factitious disorder imposed on another just doesn't roll off the tongue the same way. Although unfortunate, the cases can be quite interesting. Gypsy Rose is a good example.
its called malingering!! Usually if this is happening, they will try to mimic symptoms that they know are present in the mental illness they’re trying to portray. To the untrained eye they could pass a forensic evaluation by doing this so it’s really important to pinpoint malingering strategies and ask them questions that will give you more of a grasp of what’s going on. I’ve seen it in action and if my mentor hadn’t pointed out all of the slight inconsistencies then I think I would’ve been fooled.
That’s great question, and there are certainly people who will attempt this. Although numbers vary, research generally shows that close to 20% (1 in 5) criminal defendants will attempt to malinger during a forensic psychological evaluations. As Hoagie mentioned, there are a variety of detection strategies. Consideration for consistency is an important one as is using psychological tests specifically designed for this purpose, knowing common feigning strategies, careful documentation and behavioral observation, and a solid understanding of the scientific literature on the topic.
It’s possible but it’s really hard to pull off. You should study the interesting case of Vincent Gigante. He almost got away with malingering.
Well, that depends on the type of mental disorder. There are many mental disorders, so, it’s hard to give them all general symptoms. Or do you mean mental illness? Mental illness is more of a general term.
There is also a mental disorder known as Factitious Disorder where people actually falsify symptoms of a physical or mental disability but don't do it intentionally or for external incentives. I am sure this could be difficult to identify during a criminal case and may even be misdiagnosed as malingering if the doctor doesn't have the defendants history.
Thank you so much for your answers! This is really helpful. Do you think psychologists ever get tricked by the defendants?
its called malingering!! Usually if this is happening, they will try to mimic symptoms that they know are present in the mental illness they’re trying to portray. To the untrained eye they could pass a forensic evaluation by doing this so it’s really important to pinpoint malingering strategies and ask them questions that will give you more of a grasp of what’s going on. I’ve seen it in action and if my mentor hadn’t pointed out all of the slight inconsistencies then I think I would’ve been fooled.
I wuld also love to hear about this.