Rates and Predictors of Performance Validity Test Failure in Adults Treated for Post-COVID-19 Condition: A Brief Report

Objective Cognitive dysfunction is a common symptom of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Few studies have examined rates and predictors of cognitive performance validity test (PVT) failure in patients seeking treatment for PCC. Methods We report the rates of PVT failure in 323 patients who received care in a long-COVID-19 clinic for any post-COVID-19 health concern and underwent routine telephone cognitive testing that included two embedded PVTs. Binary logistic regressions examined the demographic, illness, and psychological variables associated with PVT failure. Results The prevalence of single PVT failure ranged from 4.7% to 26.1% whereas failure on both PVTs occurred in just 6.3%. Illness characteristics, subjective cognitive dysfunction, and most demographic and psychological variables were unrelated to single PVT failure. Males and those with anxiety were more likely to fail both PVTs. Conclusion Failure across multiple PVTs was not common and was unrelated to COVID-19 severity or cognitive complaints.