ABSTRACT

Detecting malingered mental illness is a complex clinical skill, requiring a specialized, systematic approach. A conclusion of malingering is the end result of a process of careful analysis, identification of objective indicators, clinical judgment, and use of scientifically validated psychological tests when necessary.1 Thus, it is a time-consuming effort and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Despite recent advances, there remain significant limitations to the use of neurotechnologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), for detecting malingering.2 Because application outside of research settings is not yet recommended for these procedures, the art and science of clinical detection of malingering remain paramount.