Clinical Utility of the Personal Problems Questionnaire (PPQ) in the Assessment of Non-credible Complaints

Abstract

The utility of a new questionnaire, the Personal Problems Questionnaire (PPQ), designed to assess cognitive, emotional and physical complaints after traumatic brain injuries, pain, and other acquired conditions, was evaluated. The PPQ comprises twelve Clinical subscales designed to assess common complaints associated with acquired conditions and three Validity scales to evaluate over-reporting of cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms. The Clinical subscales were found to be useful in differentiating between patients with acquired brain injuries, controls, and simulators. The Validity scales were also found to have good sensitivity and specificity in detecting simulated complaints. The PPQ shows promise in assessing disabilities and over-reporting.