TABLE 5.

Suggested interview techniques that may identify malingering

Use open-ended questions. Avoid leading questions.

Use an empathic interview style (e.g., highlight the temptation to exaggerate).

Be objective. Refrain from showing suspicion/skepticism.

Obtain detailed history of symptoms.

Elicit the patient’s capacity to work vs. enjoy recreational activities.

Elicit the course of patient’s illness.

Elicit the patient’s premorbid functioning.

Conduct a mental status exam. Look for hypervigilance, concentration deficits, irritability, and avoidance.

Interview the patient separately from third parties.