Detecting simulation of attention deficits using reaction time tests.

The current study examined if a newly developed series of reaction time tests, the Computerized Tests of Information Processing (CTIP), were sensitive to simulation of attention deficits commonly caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). The CTIP consists of three reaction time tests: Simple RT, Choice RT, and Semantic Search RT. These tests were administered to four groups: Control, Simulator, Mild TBI, and Severe TBI. Individuals attempting to simulate attention deficits produced longer reaction time scores, made more incorrect responses, and exhibited greater variability than cognitively-intact individuals and those with TBI. Sensitivity and specificity values were comparable or exceeded those obtained on the Test of Memory Malingering. As such, the CTIP offers considerable promise of serving as a viable malingering test that uses a distinctively different paradigm than the two-item, forced-choice procedure employed by traditional symptom validity tests.