Can You Fake Mental Illness?

In the case of accused killers like James Holmes, it's considered a matter of debate whether or not their apparent insanity is put on or genuine. It seems as though it might be relatively easy for a good actor to build a case around insanity where, in fact, they're mostly sound. But, as it turns out, forensic psychologists can generally tell if someone's insanity is purely an act:

Malingerers often exaggerate their symptoms and ignore common, subtle signs such as the blunting of a mentally ill patient’s emotions. Some fakers say one thing and do another. They might feign confusion to the psychiatrist but later converse easily with cell-mates, or claim to be paranoid while sitting at ease. Some combine symptoms from different conditions, such as hallucinations of schizophrenia and obscene outbursts found in Tourette’s syndrome. The forensic psychologist may suggest an outrageous delusion during the interview, such as, “Do you believe cars are part of an organized religion?” Fakers might latch onto this bait and perhaps even run with it. Real schizophrenics would say no.

(Image: "Colorado shooting suspect James Eagan Holmes attends his first court appearance in Aurora, Colorado." Reuters)