Objective
The purpose of the present study is to improve therapists’ skills to manage the psychiatric interview with malingering patients in penitentiary environment.
Method
The present study, a clinical-case series report, is a personal contribution of the authors based on their clinical experience about malingering in different penitentiary institutes in Italy. We described eighteen examples of different dynamics of malingering mental illness in the penitentiary environment.
Results
In particular, we described the following typologies of malingering: 1) imitate, 2) worsen; 3) inflate; 4) invent; 5) mend; 6) temporize; 7) escape; 8) horrify; 9) move to pity; 10) intrigue; 11) disturb; 12) blackmail; 13) forecast; 14) remember; 15) take into partnership; 16) focus on; 17) proclaim; 18) dramatize.
Conclusion
The description of the typologies of simulation in penitentiary environments allows the therapist: 1) to avoid the involuntary suggestions of symptoms that can be useful to malingerer psychopathology 2) to avoid being involved in manipulatory relations with malingering patients 3) to make a better clinical assessment for the recognition and treatment of malingering in penitentiary environment.