[Symptom validity assessment and forensic evaluation of cognitive and mental disorders].

Continuing from two previous reviews in this journal (Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr 2002; 70: 126 - 138; 2007; 75: 140 - 154), modern methods and research on symptom validity assessment are presented, with special emphasis on civil forensic examinations. In spite of continuing resistance from many professionals, symptom validity assessment is gradually gaining ground in German-speaking countries, but there is a developmental lag in European countries as a whole, as compared to developments in North America. Major research lines are presented, and questionnaire measures for the detection of a negative response bias are illustrated in more detail.