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Diagnosing Malingering in Chronic Pain

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Abstract

Psychosocial factors are commonly present in cases involving chronic pain. There are numerous risks associated with unnecessary medical treatment and societal burdens associated with unwarranted disability compensation. A published system for the diagnosis of malingering pain-related disability (Bianchini, Greve, & Glynn, 2005, The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 20, 831–847) provides a framework for evaluating multiple sources of data in making decisions about the likelihood that intentional exaggeration may be present and differentiating malingering from other psychosocial factors. The application of the Bianchini et al. (The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 20, 831–847, 2005) system in chronic pain cases is illustrated, with an emphasis on integrating multiple sources of information.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA

    Joseph L. Etherton

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  1. Joseph L. Etherton
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Correspondence to Joseph L. Etherton.

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Etherton, J.L. Diagnosing Malingering in Chronic Pain. Psychol. Inj. and Law 7, 362–369 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-014-9208-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-014-9208-9

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