Medical Conditions Affecting Polygraph.

[Kimbo]

I've been browsing and can't find any answers specific to my inquiries, so hopefully someone here can help.

I was just talking to a friend and telling her about a show I watched showing people taking polygraph tests and how crazy it was. It's called Steve Wilkos and it's actually pretty good. Anyway, we began talking about spouses testing each other and she brought up that she didn't think my husband would be able to have me tested due to my medical conditions. I didn't think it would make a difference. So, after going back and forth, I agreed to look into it.

I have Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response and I also have tonic clonic and absent seizures. I take medications for both conditions. I do also have a degenerative hip condition and Stage 4 endometriosis, but I am not taking regular medications for either of those. But my friend believes it would be the heart and seizure conditions along with the medications for them that would prevent me from having an accurate polygraph.

So, could anyone here clarify this for us? I've got a $10 bet riding on it right now!! (That's right, I have no life! )

[Wandersmann]

So, could anyone here clarify this for us? I've got a $10 bet riding on it right now!! (That's right, I have no life!

If you take some more time to read through this site you'll discover that the polygraph doesn't work, PERIOD.  It doesn't matter with what medical condition you may suffer or what medications you may take, it doesn't accurately reflect truth or lies.  If you pass consider it good luck.  If you fail, consider it bad luck.  It has been proven to be inaccurate. 

[xenonman]

Hi all

Anyone have experience going for a polygraph at Ministry Of Manpower

Kenny

Of what nation?  Canada?  UK?   :-?

[xenonman]

I was just talking to a friend and telling her about a show I watched showing people taking polygraph tests and how crazy it was. It's called Steve Wilkos and it's actually pretty good. Anyway, we began talking about spouses testing each other and she brought up that she didn't think my husband would be able to have me tested due to my medical conditions. I didn't think it would make a difference. So, after going back and forth, I agreed to look into it.

For what reason do you feel compelled to undergo the agony of being polygraphed?   :-?

[jmf]

My bf has benign essential tremors, his meds are mirapex and cogent in.his tremors are in his arms and hands, rarely his lower extremities and usually only if he has been off his meds for extended days. What's the probability on an accurate test.

[George W. Maschke]

My bf has benign essential tremors, his meds are mirapex and cogent in.his tremors are in his arms and hands, rarely his lower extremities and usually only if he has been off his meds for extended days. What's the probability on an accurate test.

Polygraph "testing" has never been shown to reliably work at better-than-chance levels under field conditions on persons who have no serious medical condition, let alone those who do. In fact, polygraphy has no scientific basis at all.

[speakup]

If the polygraph examiner suggests to the individual requesting the poly that the person taking the poly appears to be suicidal, is considered unethical to proceed with the exam? How accurate are the results if the examiner chooses to proceed with the exam? 

[George W. Maschke]

If the polygraph examiner suggests to the individual requesting the poly that the person taking the poly appears to be suicidal, is considered unethical to proceed with the exam? How accurate are the results if the examiner chooses to proceed with the exam? 

Polygraph "testing" is inherently unethical: it's a pseudoscientific fraud that depends on the polygraph operator lying to and deceiving the person being "tested." Regarding the accuracy of results, polygraphy has not been proven to  operate at better-than-chance levels under field conditions. See The Lie Behind the Lie Detector for a thorough debunking of polygraphy:

https://antipolygraph.org/lie-behind-the-lie-detector.pdf

[Jean DeMars]

Does a person took a polygraph shortly after having a widow maker heart attack and ended as being inconclusive. Can cardiovascular disease cause problems with polygraph results ?

[Dan Mangan]

Jean,

I am a polygraph examiner and a full member of the American Polygraph Association.

Now, to answer your question -- "Can cardiovascular disease cause problems with polygraph results?" -- let me be clear.

In my professional opinion, yes.

But that's beside the larger point.

Scientifically speaking, the "test" is a farce. Learn more here...

https://www.csicop.org/si/show/the_lie_detector_test_revisited_a_great_example_of_junk_science

http://www.apa.org/research/action/polygraph.aspx

https://antipolygraph.org/articles/article-053.shtml

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/lie-detectors-dont-work-advertised-and-they-never-did-180961956/

I implore you to review the information found in the above links most carefully.

If, after that, you have any questions whatsoever, please call me directly at 603-801-5179 between 9AM and 9PM Eastern Time.

Dan Mangan

[Administrator]

Off-topic replies have been moved to: this topic.

[diann]

My brother is suffering from Tardidysconesia and has failed two polygraphs because of his nervous condition.  He is on lifetime probation, has given the Polygrapher the infor, as well as the Probation Dept. the Drs. evaluation.  The PO stated he didn't have to take on, however, has scheduled him in a few weeks.
They have continued to harass him and have subjected him to strict curfews..cannot even walk his dog due to him not passing the Polygraphs.  Have you heard of this condition causing this issue. Thank you

[John M.]

diann, please see Mr. Mangan's last post above.

It's unconscionably abusive to use polygraph "results" by themselves to punish an otherwise innocent individual. 

Subjecting an individual with emotional, psychological or mental disabilities to the stressors associated with repeated polygraph interrogations is irresponsible.

[Austin Lee Mahoney]

I have severe epilepsy, I average 6-10 seizures a week an take a ton of medications. I have an upcoming poly. I have failed several an I'm told it's due to the epilepsy. Is this true! Should I consult my doctor for a release!

[George W. Maschke]

Austin,

Note that polygraphic lie detection doesn't work, whether or not one has epilepsy. It's a pseudoscience devised primarily by interrogators who had little understanding of the scientific method. Any number of factors unrelated to lying could account for your having failed the polygraph.

Who tells you that your failing the polygraph is due to your epilepsy?

And why are you taking repeated polygraphs? For example, is it associated with your job, or are you perhaps in a mandatory post-conviction polygraph screening program?