Malingering is intentional production of false or exaggerated symptoms motivated by external incentives, such as obtaining compensation or drugs, avoiding work or military duty, or evading criminal prosecution.
Malingering is deliberate behavior for a known external purpose.
It is not considered a form of mental illness or psychopathology, though it can occur in the context of other mental illnesses. Marked discrepancy between the claimed distress and the objective findings Lack of cooperation during evaluation and in complying with prescribed treatment Presence of antisocial personality disorder Malingering often is associated with antisocial personality disorder and with a histrionic personality style. The malingerer usually lacks knowledge of the nuances of the feigned disorder. For example, someone complaining of carpal tunnel syndrome may be referred to occupational therapy, where the malingerer would be unable to predict the effect of true carpal tunnel syndrome on tasks in the wood shop. Prolonged interview and examination of a person suspected of malingering disorder may induce fatigue and diminish the malingerer's ability to maintain the deception.