USE OF THE STROOP PHENOMENON AS A DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL FOR MALINGERING

Aims-To assess a computerised version of the Stroop test for detection of malingering of cognitive deficit. Methods-Sixty subjects were asse ssed using this test. Twenty had cognitive deficits due to brain damag e of miscellaneous aetiologies. Ten were healthy, not acquainted with the test, and were asked to simulate cognitive impairment. Another 10 simulators were psychology students trained in the use of the test. Tw enty healthy subjects served as controls. Results were analysed for re action time, error percentage, and the Stroop effect. Results-There wa s a significant difference in reaction time among groups, showing a di rect relation of age among control subjects, and also longer reaction time in patients with brain damage than in controls. Controls and pati ents with brain damage showed a clear Stroop effect. Simulators had a significantly prolonged reaction time, increased error percentage, and inverted or absent Stroop effect. This alteration of the Stroop effec t is never present in organic cognitive deficits and seems to be a cha racteristic pattern of feigning, independently of knowledge of the tes t. Conclusion-This technique mended as a valuable tool feigned cogniti ve impairment.