Applied neuropsychology. Adult
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Appl Neuropsychol Adult · Jan 2019
Detecting memory performance validity with DETECTS: A computerized performance validity test.
Evaluating performance validity is essential in neuropsychological and forensic assessments. Nonetheless, most psychological assessment tests are unable to detect performance validity and other methods must be used for this purpose. A new Performance Validity Test (DETECTS - Memory Performance Validity Test) was developed with several characteristics that enhance test utility. ⋯ All participants in the normative group were classified correctly and no simulator was classified as having legitimate memory deficits. Thus, DETECTS seems to be a valuable computerized Performance Validity Test with reduced application time and effective cut-off scores as well as high sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive power values. Lastly, response time may be a very useful measure for detecting memory malingering.
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Appl Neuropsychol Adult · Sep 2017
A more in-depth interpretation of MMPI-2 in MS patients by using Harris and Lingoes subscales.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is frequently associated with neuropsychiatric abnormalities. The aim of our study was to discriminate between psychosomatic disturbances and MS physically-related symptoms using the Harris-Lingoes subscales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Forty-six MS out-patients (35 females; mean age = 44.5); and 82 healthy volunteers (62 females; mean age = 46.5) were evaluated with MMPI-2 questionnaire. ⋯ Data analysis showed elevated scores in 47.8% of the patients mainly on MMPI-2 clinical scales 1, 2, and 3. The Harris-Lingoes subscales analysis allowed us to isolate and identify physical symptoms contributing to elevation of MMPI-2 clinical scales, reduce the occurrence of false positives (MMPI-2 clinical scales elevations mainly due to MS physical disability) and provide a more detailed description of psycho-emotional symptoms of MS patients. In conclusion, our study shows the utility of Harris-Lingoes subscales analysis when MMPI-2 is used for psychological assessment of MS patients.
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Appl Neuropsychol Adult · Jan 2017
The Abbreviated Westmead Post-traumatic Amnesia Scale and Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool: Data from amateur sports players in live-match conditions.
Sports-related concussion is a growing public health concern. A short, simple sideline assessment tool is essential for evaluation of concussion at an amateur participation level. The current study examined responses to sideline assessment measures in a sample of amateur Australian Rules Football players competing in real-time live matches who had not sustained a concussion on the day of testing. ⋯ Participants endorsed a mean of 4.16 (SD = 4.02) symptoms on the PCSS, with 86.6% endorsing at least 1 symptom at a mild level or greater and 40.2% endorsing at least 1 symptom at a moderate or severe level. The current results suggest the Maddocks Questions may not be sufficient for use in an amateur sports context. To reduce the risk for a false positive diagnosis of concussion, it is recommended that the Pocket CRT be complemented with the A-WPTAS for use in an amateur sports context.
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Appl Neuropsychol Adult · Nov 2016
Poor sleep predicts subacute postconcussion symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury.
The primary objective was to determine if poor sleep predicts postconcussion symptoms in the subacute period after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The impact of poor sleep pre- and post-injury was examined. The research design was cross-sectional. ⋯ Preinjury sleep was not a predictor (ß = -.19, p > .05), although it contributed 3% of the variance in NSI scores after controlling for demographics. Sleep-related impairment is a modifiable factor. As a significant contributor to neurobehavioral symptoms, treatment for post-injury sleep-related impairment warrants further attention.
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Appl Neuropsychol Adult · Jul 2016
An introduction to the Ruthven Impairment Assessment (RIA): A stability study.
The Ruthven Impairment Assessment (RIA) is introduced as a new neurocognitive test for the evaluation of complex attentional, reasoning, and working-memory abilities. It contains 5 subtests and is administered by computer within 15 min. The subtests include measures of simple and complex attention, working memory, sequential reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. ⋯ Scores include reaction time and accuracy measures. The present study evaluates the stability of the RIA in healthy, normal individuals by repeating the procedure 3 times and comparing performance with analyses of variance (ANOVAs). The ANOVA results with 1 exception were nonsignificant, indicating that the RIA scores are stable in normal individuals and do not fluctuate significantly across testing.