Have you ever met someone whose lies seem excessive and unnecessary? Even when the truth would have worked better, certain people choose to lie and invent things that never happened. Constant lying can be a symptom of several mental health disorders, and it is important to learn how to recognize a person who struggles to tell the truth.
Pathological liars rarely understand why they feel the urge to lie. Compulsive lying can negatively affect a person’s life, from personal relationships to career success. If you suspect someone you care about is a pathological liar, you can talk to them and offer your support, as well as encourage them to see a mental health professional and get the help they need.
Definition and Characteristics
Pathological lying, also known as mythomania or pseudologia fantastica, is a behavior pattern that consists of chronic lying without a clear benefit or purpose. A pathological liar may continue to lie even when they are confronted about their behavior, and there is no pressure to support their false claims.
While pathological lying is not an official diagnosis, this behavior is often associated with certain personality disorders. Here are a few common traits of a pathological liar:
- Their lies are elaborate and detailed; they have lied for years, since childhood or adolescence.
- They lie to portray themselves in a positive light or gain sympathy.
- They remain calm while lying and do not look nervous when their lies are exposed.
Psychological Reasons Behind Pathological Lying
There are several motivations behind this behavior – in many cases, pathological lying is linked to a mental health disorder. Here are a few psychological disorders that are often associated with pathological lying:
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder. People who suffer from this disorder may lie to gain admiration and build up their image.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder. It is common for individuals with this disorder to deceive others and manipulate people around them.
- Addiction. Whether a person is addicted to alcohol or drugs, they may become dishonest with their friends and family to hide their substance abuse.
Negative Consequences of Pathological Lying
From ruining a friendship to getting fired, there are many repercussions of constant lying.
A pathological liar may struggle to build and maintain close relationships with other people When their friends and family realize they were lied to they may decide they cannot trust the liar and cut them off altogether Lying in the workplace is never a good idea – if you are caught being dishonest during a job interview or lying about your accomplishments to your boss or clients you may lose your job.
How to Deal With a Pathological Liar
It can be challenging to be around a person who never seems to tell the truth. Nevertheless, if you understand that the person is lying pathologically, you may try to help them.
Talk to the liar instead of accusing and blaming them. Let them know how their lies have impacted your life and the lives of people around you – it is possible the liar was not aware of the harm they were causing. Encourage the liar to open up to a therapist who will be able to diagnose the reason behind the lying and provide the patient with adequate treatment.
Treatment Options for Pathological Lying
Fortunately, it is possible to treat this issue and return to an honest lifestyle.
Once the therapy session begins, the mental health provider will try to figure out the reason behind the lies – it is likely the behavior is linked to a personality disorder or past trauma. Through medication (to treat the underlying disorder) and therapy (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy), the patient will learn to be mindful of their triggers and work on their honesty.
FAQs
What is a pathological liar?
A pathological liar is a person who feels the urge to lie constantly, often without a reason to do so. People who lie pathologically may struggle to break this habit and suffer the consequences of their behavior.
What causes a person to be a pathological liar
There are many reasons to lie pathologically—in most cases, this behavior is linked to a mental health disorder. For instance, a person with a narcissistic or antisocial personality disorder may be compelled to lie to achieve their goals.
How can you recognize a pathological liar?
While there is no definitive way to diagnose a pathological liar without a therapist, there are a few signs to look out for: a person lies often, their lies are sophisticated and detailed, and there is no benefit to their lies.
Is pathological lying a mental disorder?
Pathological lying is not recognized as a separate mental health disorder. Nevertheless, this behavior is often associated with various personality disorders as well as past trauma and addiction.
Can pathological lying be treated?
Yes, you can help a pathological liar. Through therapy and medication, a person can be treated. Lie: Talk to the liar you know and persuade them to see a mental health provider.
Supporting Honesty and Mental Health with Clear Mind Treatment
Understanding the nuances of pathological lying, recognizing this behavior, and providing a liar with adequate support will help you overcome this challenge. Whether you have spotted the signs of pathological lying in your behavior or you are worried someone you care about is lying compulsively, reaching out to Clear Mind Treatment and booking a therapy session to address this issue would be the right thing to do
Our team is ready to design a treatment plan that suits the unique needs of the patient. If you have any questions about pathological lying or you require our assistance, do not hesitate to contact ClearMind Treatment.
