Ability of the D-KEFS Color-Word Interference Test as an embedded measure to identify noncredible neurocognitive performance in personal injury litigants.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the ability of the Color-Word Interference Test (CWIT) from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) to predict noncredible neurocognitive dysfunction in a large mixed sample of personal injury litigants. Methods: Participants included 100 adults who underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological examination. Criterion groups were formed based upon their performance on stand-alone measures of cognitive performance validity (PVT). Results: Participants failing the Word Memory Test and trial one of the Test of Memory Malingering performed significantly worse across all four CWIT trials compared to participants who passed both. Receiver operating curve characteristic analysis revealed that a Total ACSS ≤ 34 (sum total of age-corrected scaled scores across all four trials) was the best predictor of PVT status at .90 specificity and .65 sensitivity. Multivariate logistic regression did not add to classification accuracy. Conclusions: Noncredible executive functioning should be a consideration in personal injury litigants who score ≤ 34 across all four trials of the CWIT.