Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms- 2nd Edition (SIRS-2)

Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms- 2nd Edition (SIRS-2): Use and Admissibility in Forensic Mental Health Assessment 

August 16 | 11:00am - 12:00 pm ET | 1 CE Credit

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Abstract

Assessment of symptom feigning is paramount in forensic psychological and psychiatric assessment. The Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms, 2nd Edition (SIRS-2; Rogers et al., 2010) is a revised edition to the original SIRS (Rogers et al., Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS) and professional manual. Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc, 1992) and was developed to assess feigned psychiatric symptoms. The current paper reviews use of the SIRS-2 in forensic assessment, specifically addressing topics such as translations of the instrument, its use in assessing psychiatric and cognitive feigning, and its use in special populations. Empirical foundation and psychometric properties of the SIRS-2 is also covered. The SIRS-2 was revised in part to reduce false positive classifications of feigning. Research suggests that this goal was largely accomplished, albeit at the expense of reduced sensitivity. The paper also provides a review of federal and state appellate cases that mention the SIRS-2. Notably, most cases that cite the SIRS-2 do not actually center on the SIRS-2, and the test’s admissibility has never been outrightly challenged. The paper concludes with a discussion of expert testimony concerning the SIRS-2.

Goals and Objectives

1. Participants will learn about the development and psychometric properties of the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms-2nd Edition (SIRS-2) and its use in forensic mental health assessment.
2. Participants will learn about relevant case law surrounding the SIRS-2.
3. Participants will learn how to best prepare for expert testimony concerning SIRS-2 findings.

Skill Level 

Introductory

Pricing

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Presenters 

Dustin D. Wygant, PhD | Eastern Kentucky University 

Dr. Dustin Wygant is a licensed psychologist (Kentucky & Ohio), Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training for the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program at Eastern Kentucky University, where he also serves as the Executive Director of Integrated Behavioral Health. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio prior to completing his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. Dr. Wygant’s primary research interests include the conceptualization of the psychopathic personality and the DSM-5 model of personality disorders. Other research interests include the detection of malingering and deception in psychological evaluations as well as the use of personality assessment in forensic and medical settings, primarily with the MMPI family of instruments. Dr. Wygant is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the Society for Personality Assessment. Outside of his academic work, Dr. Wygant routinely completes forensic psychological evaluations for the state and Federal courts and testifies as an expert witness.

Jessica L. Tylicki 

Laura F. Disney 

Allison I. Connelly 

The Society for Personality Assessment (SPA) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.