Pros And Cons Of Malingering

Malingering is considered a fabrication of physical and psychological symptoms for secondary gain, such as financial compensation and drug use (Richie, 2014). This article provides useful strategies for detecting insincere and exaggerated psychotic symptoms. In addition, this article reviews psychometric tools that detect malingering. The author noted that having knowledge and increased awareness of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorder symptoms is beneficial in detecting malingering. With the adequate knowledge of psychotic disorders, counselors can be more aware of incongruent affect and behavior. Additionally, the author stated that counselors can provide informal or formal interviews and self-administered assessments to detect
malingering. During these interviews, the author suggests that counselors ask about the rare symptoms, such as bizarre delusions or hallucinations. Often times, those who suffer from psychosis never endorse those rare symptoms. However, it is important to not confuse malingering with avoidance. For example, a client might feel embarrassed about a difficult story and will withhold information in fear of judgment.