Use of a Symptom Validity Test in the forensic assessment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Symptom Validity Tests (SVTs) employ a two-alternative, forced-choice method to assess an individual's motivation to perform. The strategy is routinely used by neuropsychologist with plaintiffs who allege brain injury, but heretofore has not been applied to the forensic assessment of posttrauma claims. The present case report applied an accepted SVT, the Portland Digit Recognition Test, to the forensic assessment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Findings illustrate how SVTs can be useful in any forensic or disability case that presents with memory complaints. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.