The Symptom Checklist-Revised (SCL-90-R) is able to discriminate between simulation and fibromyalgia

J Clin Psychol. 2010 Jul;66(7):774-90. doi: 10.1002/jclp.20698.

Abstract

This study assessed the ability of the Symptom Checklist-Revised (SCL-90-R) to discriminate between two groups of fibromyalgia patients (those who were about to begin a treatment including the explicit aim of returning to work and those who were initiating a legal procedure to obtain permanent disability compensation) and two groups of healthy volunteers (medical students and psychology graduates), who were asked to produce a symptomatic resemblance to a chronic pain disorder. Logistic regression analyses were applied to the SCL-90-R subscales and individual probabilistic indices of simulation were calculated. Results showed that the SCL-90-R was able to discriminate between healthy subjects and both groups of patients with a high sensitivity and specificity. The individual indices of simulation, which might be more useful in clinical practice than the comparison of the SCL-90-R profiles, also showed an appropriate level of accuracy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Decision Making
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Female
  • Fibromyalgia / diagnosis*
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Malingering / diagnosis*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stereotyping
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*