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Victoria%20Symptom%20Validity%20Test%20(VSVT)
Availability
Please visit this website for more information about the instrument: Victoria Symptom Validity Test (VSVT)
Classification
NeuroRehab Supplemental - Highly Recommended
Recommendations for Use: Indicated for studies requiring a performance validity test to detect exaggeration or feigning of cognitive impairment.
It is not recommended for use in individuals with known dementia or working memory impairment due to risk of false positive results.
 
Supplemental for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Short Description of Instrument
The Victoria Symptom Validity Test (VSVT) is a computerized test designed to assess the validity of a patient's cognitive symptoms. It includes 48 items classified as easy or difficult and employs a forced-choice model. The subject's score can be compared to what would be expected based on chance alone.
 
The VSVT has been validated for use in patients aged 18 to 72 years and is administered via computer by trained examiners. Administration time is 18-25 minutes.
Comments/Special Instructions
VSVT has norms and is used commonly.
Scoring

Two subscores of 0-24 for each item correct.
Scoring and Psychometric Properties
Scoring: Two subscores of 0-24 for each item correct.
 
Psychometric Properties: The total item accuracy score has the strongest psychometric properties at an optimal cut-score of = 40 (62% sensitivity/88% specificity). ROC curve analyses for all VSVT indices had statistically significant areas under the curve (AUCs; .73-81). Cut-scores of = 22 for Easy item accuracy and = 40 for Total item accuracy are also used.
Rationale/Justification
Strengths: Psychometrically sound; adequate norms and cut scores.
 
Weaknesses: Length; lack of consensus regarding which index scores to use and which cut scores to use.
References
Loring DW, Larrabee GJ, Lee GP, Meador KJ. Victoria Symptom Validity Test performance in a heterogenous clinical sample. Clin Neuropsychol. 2007 May;21(3):522-31.
 
Macciocchi SN, Seel RT, Alderson A, Godsall R. Victoria Symptom Validity Test performance in acute severe traumatic brain injury: implications for test interpretation. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2006 Aug;21(5):395-404.
 
Slick, D., Hopp, G., Strauss, E.,& Thompson, G. B. (1997). VSVT: Victoria Symptom Validity Test (Version 1.0). Odessa, Florida: Psychological Assessment Resources.
 
Resch ZJ, Webber TA, Bernstein MT, Rhoads T, Ovsiew GP, Soble JR. Victoria Symptom Validity Test: A Systematic Review and Cross-Validation Study. Neuropsychol Rev. 2021 Jun;31(2):331-348.
 
Document last updated January 2022