Therefore, a person who frequently exaggerates stories to make themselves appear more interesting or consistently lies to cover up mistakes that they have made is unlikely to be pathologically lying. These are clear motives that advance particular interests. Pathological lies are easy for others to verify, which can ultimately be harmful to the person who tells them.
For example, the individual may make false accusations or grandiose claims about their past that are simple for others to check. Pathological lying is not a formal diagnosis, but a doctor or therapist may recognize the behavior as a sign of another underlying condition, such as a personality disorder or factitious disorder.
These disorders include overlapping symptoms, including compulsive lying. People with these conditions also display other signs. It is possible for pathological lying to be an independent symptom, as some people engage in pathological lying without having any underlying medical condition. It can be challenging for a doctor to determine whether someone is engaging in pathological lying because there are no psychological or biological tests for it.
To diagnose most mental health conditions, a doctor will use a clinical interview. If the person is not honest about their lying, it could be necessary for the doctor to talk with family members or friends to help identify patterns of pathological lying. Coping with someone who lies pathologically can be challenging. Forming and maintaining a trusting relationship with this person can take time and patience.
It is important to remember that the person may not intend to cause harm or benefit from these lies. Pathological lying can be a compulsion, and it often leads to negative consequences for the person telling the lies.
Therefore, try to avoid responding angrily or blaming them for the lies. It is also helpful to be aware that pathological lying may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition. Talking to the person about whether they have any other symptoms can help them identify the problem and seek help from a doctor or therapist. If a doctor suspects that an underlying condition is causing the lying, they may suggest treatment for that condition. As pathological lying can be harmful to others, a doctor may also suggest therapy for those close to the individual.
A therapist will work with them to help them manage their responses to the problem. Pathological lying is when a person compulsively lies without a clear motive for doing so. We all lie, but some people take it to extremes, destroying careers and relationships in the process. Admit it: From time to time, you lie — at least a little. Your best friend asks what you think of her new haircut.
It's awful, but you tell her it looks great. Feldman, who wrote The Liar in Your Life. But when lying gets out of control it can wreak havoc in your personal and professional lives — potentially destroying relationships and careers. Out-of-control lying is known as compulsive or pathological lying. Definitions are fluid, experts say. Compulsive liars have a need to embellish and exaggerate, says Paul Ekman, PhD , a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California in San Francisco and the author of Telling Lies , among other books.
When you ask a compulsive liar for an opinion on an important issue, says Dr. Most people lie at one time or another. Previous research has suggested that we tell an average of 1. Pathological lies, on the other hand, are told consistently and habitually. They tend to appear pointless and often continuous. It can test the trust in any relationship and make it hard to even have a simple conversation with the person.
Be supportive and kind, but firm. Someone who pathologically lies may have the tendency to first respond with a lie. The person may be driven by an underlying personality disorder, anxiety , or low self-esteem. Let them know that you value them for who they really are. Without judgment or shaming, suggest that they consider professional help and let them know your suggestion comes from genuine concern for their well-being.
A pathological liar is an excellent storyteller and performer. They know how to captivate their audience by telling elaborate and fantastic stories while being very animated.
Along with knowing how to weave and express a detailed story, people are also fascinated by what drives a person to lie. Diagnosing a pathological liar can be difficult because of the many possible causes of the behavior. Some professionals use a polygraph , also known as a lie detector test. Telling lies that are complicated, dramatic, and detailed — though the stories might seem far-fetched, the convincing way they are told in a pathological lie can make them seem believable.
The lies may make the person telling them seem like a hero, or a victim — pathological liars sometimes tell lies to gain sympathy or admiration.
If you notice someone frequently lying about their health, wealth, or career status, this could be a sign of pathological lying. Start Your Healing Now - just click here. What Causes Pathological Lying? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder — pathological lying has been found in some people struggling with OCD as a negative coping mechanism, employed to create affiliative relationships with others or to attempt to cover their OCD symptoms.
Anxiety Disorders — people struggling with anxiety and fear of rejection may also pathologically lie as a way to try and protect a sensitive psyche. Antisocial Personality Disorder — people living with this disorder often display pathological lying as a key symptom, and may use lies to gain status or manipulate others. How to Help a Pathological Liar For adults, pathological lying can be a difficult condition to treat, as lying has often become habitual and automatic. Be supportive, yet firm — it is easy to get frustrated and lose your temper when faced with persistent dishonesty, however this is likely to be counterproductive.
Hold your ground, but be kind. Let them know that you support them, but you will not go along with a lie. Encourage professional help — expressing concern without judgement is a critical part of letting people know you genuinely care about their wellbeing.
Helping to connect your loved one with information or resources about pathological lying and its related mental health conditions may be useful in supporting their decision to seek treatment.
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