Efficacy of MMPI-2 validity scales and MCMI-II modifier scales for detecting spurious PTSD claims: F, F-K, fake bad scale, ego strength, subtle-obvious subscales, DIS, and DEB

This study compared 119 personal injury claimants' scores on MMPI‐2 and MCMI‐II malingering scales. Data from 55 pseudo‐PTSD patients and 64 controls confirm the utility of the scales examined. The following cut‐offs were most effective for identifying spurious PTSD: F > 62, F‐K = > −4, Es = > 30, FBS = > 24 (men), FBS = > 26 (women), total obvious minus subtle = > 90, DIS = > 60, and DEB = > 60. Pseudo‐PTSD patients were those who (1) claimed to be suffering a psychological injury (2) that was so severe that it was disabling (3) due to an experience that was entirely implausible as a candidate for PTSD criterion A in DSM‐III‐R and (4) scored T = 65 or higher on both PK and PS, the post‐traumatic stress disorder subscales of the MMPI‐2.