Psychometric perspectives on detection of malingering of pain: use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2

Clin J Pain. 2004 Nov-Dec;20(6):383-91. doi: 10.1097/00002508-200411000-00002.

Abstract

Self-report plays a primary but not exclusive role in pain assessment. As is true of all self-reported experiences, under certain circumstances, the report of chronic pain can be distorted and misrepresented. There are unique challenges associated with the detection and assessment of malingering or self-report distortion in the evaluation of chronic pain. The current paper provides a rationale for the use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) in the comprehensive assessment of chronic pain with an emphasis on the advantage the MMPI-2 provides in the detection of response bias or malingering. A critical review of available MMPI-2 validity scales is presented, and recommendations for use of these scales in the evaluation of patients with chronic pain are made.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • MMPI* / statistics & numerical data
  • Malingering / diagnosis*
  • Malingering / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / complications
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Pain / complications
  • Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psychometrics / methods*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Reproducibility of Results