symptom validity

Symptom validity refers to the accuracy and genuineness of the symptoms a person reports, especially in clinical or testing settings. It involves assessing whether symptoms are consistent, believable, and reflect the individual's actual experiences, rather than exaggerated, feigned, or malingered. This helps clinicians determine if a person's reported difficulties are valid and reliable, which is important for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and understanding the true nature of their condition. Essentially, it’s about verifying that the symptoms are genuine and not intentionally or unintentionally exaggerated.