PSYCHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF SIMULATED PSYCHOPATHOLOGY DURING SICK LEAVE

Simulation from a categorical or diagnostic perspective, has turned into a more dimensional point of view, so it is possible to establish different “levels” of simulation. In order to analyse, from a psychometric perspective, the possible prediction of simulated behaviour based on common measures of general psychopathology, the objective of the current study was to analyse possible predictors of the Structured Symptomatic Simulation Inventory (SIMS) scores considering as dependent variables the total SIMS score, the SIMS subscales scores, and the cut-off points usually suggested to discriminate between “no suspected simulation”/“suspected simulation”, which usually are 14 and 16. In terms of possible predictors, a set of variables were established: a) categorical (sex, type of treatment - psychopharmacological, psychotherapeutic, combined-, type of work activity, being self- employed or not, presence-absence of a history of psychopathology (both familial and personal), presence or not of associated physical pathology, diagnosis -according to ICDJONNPR. 10- and the final proposal -return to work, sick leave extended, proposal of permanent work incapacity-); and b) continuous (perceived stress -general and current), self-esteem, results of a screening questionnaire for personality disorders and scores on a symptoms questionnaire. In addition, a descriptive study of all variables was carried out and possible differences of genre were analysed.