A review of methods for the assessment of symptom validity: An update 2002 to 2005

Continuing a previous review on problems and strategies for the assessment of negative response bias (Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr 2002; 70: 126 - 138), an update on research published from 2002 to 2005 is provided. More than 400 journal articles were included in the analysis. It was found that symptom validity tests or effort tests are generally accepted as the one method which is best developed for the assessment of negative response bias. Other methods, including questionnaires and rating methods, are reviewed. Three important applications of symptom validity assessment are analysed in some more detail: retrograde amnesia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and pain. - Research activities in the field of what was previously called "malingering research" have not decreased so further important developments can be expected in the years to come.