Use of Trial 1 of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) as a Screening Measure of Effort: Suggested Discontinuation Rules

Abstract

Trial 1 of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) has been suggested as a screening tool, with several possible cut-off scores proposed. The purpose of the present study was to replicate the utility of previously suggested cut-off scores and to characterize neuropsychological profiles of persons who “pass” the TOMM but obtain Trial 1 scores <45 and of persons with cognitive disorders. A total of 229 veterans were administered the TOMM as part of a neuropsychological evaluation. Trial 1 scores ≥41 and ≤25 showed good utility as discontinuation scores for adequate and poor effort, respectively, beyond which administration of additional trials were unnecessary. Findings suggest better Trial 1 performance is significantly related to better speeded mental flexibility and memory.

Keywords:

• Malingering
• Effort
• Discontinuation rules
• Test of Memory Malingering
• TOMM
• Cognitive disorders

Acknowledgment

A portion of these data was presented at the International Neuropsychological Society annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia in 2009 (Hilsabeck, Zartman, Gordon, Van Buren, & Krueger, 2009).