Estimación de la frecuencia de exageración de síntomas en España

Résumé

Objective: An area of special interest in the field of symptom exaggeration is to know onwhat scale it occurs and what motivates it. The main objective of this study is to evaluatethe perception of symptom exaggeration both in the general population and inprofessionals working in the field. A survey design was used to evaluate 440 participantsdivided into three groups: general population, students and forensic psychologists.Results: Our findings indicate that the vast majority (67.7%) knew one or more peoplewho had feigned, or feign symptoms or an illness, and approximately one third (30.6%)had feigned symptoms or an illness. The symptoms perceived as most feigned weredepressive symptoms, neck pain and migraines, and the main reasons for feigning wereto obtain sick leave, or public/private benefits, such as financial compensation. On theother hand, psychology professionals state that they regularly face the risk of symptomexaggeration and the vast majority consider that it would be advisable to develop moreinstruments and methodologies aimed at effectively assessing feigning. Conclusions:The results are discussed according to the characteristics of the groups and theirimplications for the advancement of the discipline in our country.