Victoria Symptom Validity Test

Abstract

This study compared the performances of non-compensation-seeking (NCS; n= 151) and compensation-seeking (CS; n= 21) patients on the Victoria Symptom Validity Test (VSVT; Slick, Hopp, Strauss, & Thompson, 1997), a test designed to detect feigned or exaggerated memory impairment. Despite showing comparable performances on measures of depression, intellectual, and memory ability, the CS group obtained significantly lower scores on the VSVT as compared to the NCS group. The distribution of scores for each group is provided using a three-level classification system (Valid, Questionable, or Invalid). A significant association was found between CS group membership and Questionable/Invalid performance on the VSVT. Two case examples are provided to illustrate the utility of this forced-choice memory test. These results indicate that the VSVT is an efficient, objective measure that provides quantitative data that appears to hold considerable promise in evaluating symptom validity.