Signs Of Pathological Lying: How To Identify Compulsive Liars
Perhaps you’ve met someone who tells stories regularly, but you may have noticed that something does not quite add up. Maybe the person’s story contradicted something that they said previously, or it could have simply sounded too good to be true. If this sounds familiar, you may know a compulsive or pathological liar. Pathological lying is when someone lies often and for no clear reason. This article will discuss how you can spot people who lie compulsively, traits of a pathological liar, and why this complicated phenomenon happens.
What is compulsive lying?
Most everyone has lied at least once in their lifetime. In fact, lying may be considered normal behavior. It can serve different functions, such as responding to or hiding from feelings of shame and guilt. In some cases, lying can also be an effective way to avoid conflict or protect someone’s feelings. Lies can be harmless, or they can be destructive.
Still, some individuals may have a compulsive need to lie. Pathological liars may have a mental health condition or personality disorder that causes them to lie compulsively. For example, they could have borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, or a combination of mental disorders. Their lies may seem malicious, but they can sometimes be the result of a condition that may be uncontrollable and impulsive. In some cases, the person may feel bad after lying. Other times, the person may not necessarily think they are lying, but rather telling harmless stories.
This is known as pseudologia fantastica, and the term has been around for over a century. Today, it is often referred to as compulsive lying, pathological lying, or mythomania. Despite psychiatrists and psychologists being aware of the condition for this long, pseudologia fantastica is not quite fully understood; however, it is still of interest because of its ramifications in legal settings.
In the next section, you will learn more about pseudologia fantastica and some of its traits, which can help you identify pathological lying when it arises.
Signs of compulsive lying: How to identify compulsive liars
Some people who lie compulsively think of their lies as mere "stories". Pseudologia fantastica has been described as a "matrix of fantasy interwoven with some facts". That means the “stories” of a compulsive liar may have some truth to them, but other details may be fabricated.
A compulsive liar might tell some fantastic, grandiose tale that could include enough facts to make it just believable enough to the listener. Eventually, the person on the other end might catch on and start questioning the details of the story, especially if they seem too outrageous. A person who lies compulsively might also tell many "small" lies. For example, they might lie about their employment history, how many relationships they have been in, where they grew up, etc.
If you were to approach a person you suspect is a pathological liar, they might admit that they were not telling the truth all along. When placed in such a situation, some people who lie compulsively might feel guilt and shame. This separates pathological lying from delusional thoughts and behaviors seen in various mental conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. When a person is delusional, he or she believes what they are saying is true. In contrast, people who lie compulsively may acknowledge that what they said was false.
Lastly, these "stories" typically paint the compulsive liar in a positive light. For example, they might talk about how they rescued a cat stuck in their neighbor's tree, how they managed to meet a celebrity, or how much money they donated to charity. Speaking of money, these lies are also not usually for financial gain, but people who lie compulsively may still get some personal validation from telling them.
If you pay attention to these signs, you may be able to identify people who lie compulsively. When you meet them for the first time, it may be hard to judge whether a person is a pathological liar. Still, it may be possible to notice the cues in subsequent interactions, especially if things are not adding up.
What causes people to lie compulsively?
People who lie compulsively do not usually have any malicious intent when they lie. They may not do it on purpose either. Rather, the drive to lie could be embedded deep within their psychology. Pathological lying can have many different causes, but there are some common reasons. For example, the individual may be trying to assign meaning or importance to their lives, or they could be seeking approval from others.
In her thesis, Dr. Katie Elizabeth Treanor of the University of Wollongong describes a client who was a "confessed pathological liar" and who had a "burdensome impulse to lie". She learned from his past that he suffered from parental rejection, childhood bullying, and social ostracism, which caused him to have several maladaptive behaviors like drinking and shunning relationships; however, lying proved the most problematic for him.
The man would take on the role of someone with many attractive qualities such as being handsome, intelligent, and successful, for example. He would make up stories that allowed him to live vicariously through the persona he had created because, in reality, he felt that he was none of these things. Lying allowed him to bridge the gap between reality and fantasy. Eventually, those around him would catch on to the lies, and everything that was important to him disappeared, including his credibility and career.
Individuals who have a problem with lying may lie because they feel that they are not good enough or that they lead boring lives. However, their lying can have detrimental effects, and in some cases, can cost them their relationships or careers.
Is there a way to treat compulsive lying?
Lying compulsively, or pseudologia fantastica, was once a diagnosable mental illness, but that is no longer the case. This does not mean that pathological lying is no longer a concern. Psychiatrists stopped assigning this specific diagnosis because the condition can be a symptom of broader underlying issues such as personality disorders, for example. If you have trouble with pathological lying and think it may be a result of borderline personality, antisocial personality, narcissistic personality, or another mental health disorder, you may want to seek help from a professional. Despite the inability of those with this issue to be diagnosed, people who lie compulsively can still be treated. In fact, recovery is possible with the help of therapy. Despite the inability of those with this issue to be diagnosed, people who lie compulsively can still be treated. In fact, recovery is possible with the help of therapy.
Therapy can help address the root causes of why people who lie compulsively behave the way they do. It could also help them change the way they view themselves and their lives. Counseling can give these individuals the skills to cope with emotions such as shame, guilt, and rejection in healthier ways.
Addressing pathological lying with online therapy
Negative emotions can be both causes and effects of pathological lying and can get in the way of treatment. If you have a problem lying, you might hesitate to seek help from a therapist due to feelings of humiliation, for example. An online therapeutic setting might help you feel more at ease while discussing your compulsion to lie. This form of remote counseling can also be more convenient since you can access it anywhere you have an internet connection.
The efficacy of mental health care through online therapy
Internet-based therapy has also been proven effective in treating a variety of mental health challenges and conditions. A meta-analysis of existing research showed no significant difference in outcomes experienced by individuals receiving therapy online versus in-person. The review followed various populations and included nearly 10,000 individual cases.
Takeaway
At Regain, licensed counselors and therapists are available online to help people overcome mental health conditions that could be contributing to compulsive lying. They can employ a variety of strategies to aid you in your journey, including sending you more medically reviewed articles like this one. This could help mend relationships and improve self-esteem. Don’t wait—take the first step today to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
What are the 5 signs that someone is lying?
When a person has a compulsive pattern of deceit, they often do so to avoid rejection or gain sympathy. In severe cases, individuals may pathologically lie with difficulty controlling the behavior. Because pathological liars lie so often, their deception is considered pathological and can stem from underlying mental health conditions. This can involve embellishing lies to maintain attention and manipulate others.
While no single cue can be definitive, body language frequently provides important clues. Here are five common signs that someone is telling lies:
- Using subconscious body language such as touching their face, mouth, or throat, for example, could indicate someone is telling lies.
- Pathological liars often repeat themselves when they lie.
- A pathological liar often pauses before they answer.
- Pathological liars may look toward the door while telling lies.
- When people lie, they often don’t blink.
Recognizing these signs may help you identify a prolific liar, but understanding the underlying mental health conditions at play is crucial for grasping why some people feel compelled to lie pathologically.
Are compulsive liars born or made?
In most cases, pathological liars are made. Some people are ashamed of who they are, so they engage in frequent lying behavior to cover up insecurities. Pathological liars lie without concern for any repercussions. They are characterized by outrageous lies and stories versus white lies, which are often told by the average person to avoid hurt feelings. While a white lie is used only occasionally and with a purpose, a habitual liar who lies compulsively does so often and may have no clear purpose.
Pathological liar signs include dramatic inconsistencies, a lack of guilt about deceit, and the inability to stop lying when confronted. In many cases, there are underlying mental health conditions, such as narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder, driving the compulsion to lie. These disorders can fuel a need for attention or control that is sometimes met through deception. Although certain biological factors could play a role, environmental influences usually shape the development of compulsive lying behavior.
What is a narcissistic liar?
A narcissistic liar is a narcissist who has an elevated sense of self, used to cover up insecurities or old wounds. They may tell grandiose lies to prop themselves up to gain sympathy and get what they want. These lying patterns often develop as a maladaptive coping mechanism—sometimes rooted in childhood trauma—to help them avoid rejection. Narcissistic liars are known to lie and manipulate a partner in a relationship, making it difficult to maintain an honest and healthy relationship. A narcissistic liar is considered a pathological liar, as they tell compulsive lies to control people and manipulate situations in their favor. Can a pathological liar love you might ask? It is possible for them to love but would be challenging to maintain an open and honest relationship.
To protect yourself, it is crucial to set healthy boundaries and seek support when dealing with a narcissistic liar. Additionally, understanding any underlying condition, such as mental health issues, that contribute to their lying behavior can help in effectively managing or responding to it.
Can I learn how to identify a pathological liar?
Compulsive liars often tell unnecessary lies, even when the truth would be easier or more logical. You might be dealing with a compulsive liar if you notice someone frequently embellishing small details or creating elaborate stories for no clear reason. This behavior can act as a defense mechanism, allowing them to avoid uncomfortable truths or potential judgment. Additional pathological liar signs include inconsistencies in their stories, an inability to admit fault when confronted, and shifts in tone or behavior when challenged.
What are some common signs of pathological lying?
Pathological lying often involves exaggeration and lies that seem out of place or far too detailed. People may contradict themselves frequently or tell stories that just don’t add up without any obvious reason to lie.
Is there a difference between the behavior of a compulsive liar and a pathological liar?
Yes, there is a subtle difference. Compulsive liars lie out of habit—sometimes without even realizing it—while pathological liars usually have a motive, often to manipulate or control a situation. Additionally, an occasional liar, by contrast, might only lie under specific circumstances—like telling a white lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. The intention behind the lies is key.
Is pathological lying linked to certain mental health conditions?
Yes, pathological lying can sometimes be linked to other mental health conditions like personality disorders (e.g., narcissistic or borderline personality disorder). It can also be a symptom of deeper issues, such as low self-esteem or anxiety.
More commonly asked questions
Is it possible to learn how to identify compulsive liars?
Yes, it is possible to learn how to identify people who engage in pathological or compulsive lying. Compulsive liars may mask their lying behavior behind charming or overly confident attitudes. They often try to make their own lies more believable by acting extra friendly or by over-explaining things, creating a false sense of trust. Paying attention to inconsistencies in their stories is one of the key pathological liar signs and can help you distinguish a habitual liar from someone who is simply mistaken. Some individuals become so entrenched in their own lies that they lose track of reality. Because many compulsive liars may have underlying mental health disorders, it is crucial to stay observant and consider consulting a mental health professional if you suspect a loved one’s lying patterns are severe or harmful.
How does compulsive lying affect mental health?
Pathological or compulsive lying can take a toll on a person’s mental well-being. It often creates stress, anxiety, and guilt, especially when their lying behavior catches up with them. Over time, a habitual liar may develop a false sense of reality, struggling to differentiate between real events and fabricated stories. This confusion often leads to damaged relationships, isolation, and feelings of worthlessness.
In some cases, underlying mental health disorders—categorized broadly under mental disorders—can complicate matters further. Without proper intervention or a mental health diagnosis, it becomes difficult to break the cycle of deceit. If someone’s dishonesty is causing severe emotional distress or interpersonal problems, it’s crucial to seek professional help from a qualified mental health professional.
What types of behavior are typical of a pathological liar?
Pathological liars lie in a way that often involves grand, elaborate stories designed to impress or manipulate others. This lying behavior can include constant embellishments, sudden changes in tone, and inconsistent details—key pathological liar signs that reveal their struggle with honesty. They may shift their approach depending on whom they are speaking to, adjusting their deception to fit each audience, and sometimes even convincing themselves of their false sense of reality. While many people think of a habitual liar as someone who simply lies frequently, a truly pathological or compulsive liar is often driven by deeper issues. These can include conditions such as borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or narcissistic personality disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, these complex conditions may require a mental health diagnosis to address the root causes behind their pathological lying behaviors.
What mental health conditions are associated with pathological lying?
Pathological lying behaviors can deeply impact mental health by fostering an unstable sense of reality. Some individuals use excessive lying as a defense mechanism stemming from unresolved childhood trauma or other emotional stressors. This form of lying behavior often causes anxiety, guilt, and depression, especially when an individual lies frequently and struggles to maintain their fabrications day after day. The constant pressure to keep track of these lies can be overwhelming, leading to emotional burnout.
Recognizable pathological liar signs include chronic deception, inconsistent stories, and a persistent fear of exposure. Another set of pathological liar signs may involve defensive responses or blame-shifting when confronted. Over time, these behaviors may coincide with certain forms of mental illness, magnifying the harm done to both the liar and those around them. Because many pathological liars find it difficult to stop lying, professional intervention can be crucial for breaking the cycle and addressing the underlying mental health conditions driving the deceit.
What are the major behavioral traits of compulsive liars?
A compulsive liar lies frequently without much thought, even when there’s nothing to gain. They might lie about trivial things—like what they had for breakfast—and often seem unable to stop themselves. This behavior often leaves them stuck in a cycle of more lies to cover previous ones. This reveals one of the pathological liar signs which is a compulsive pattern of excessive lying. Such habitual lying is one of the key pathological liar signs, as it undermines trust and can damage personal relationships.
Are there specific disorders that can lead to compulsive lying?
Yes, conditions like impulse control disorders or certain personality disorders can contribute to compulsive lying. It’s often a way for people to cope with low self-esteem or to avoid facing uncomfortable truths about themselves. According to psychiatric research, these behaviors are sometimes connected to underlying mental health disorders—often shaped by factors such as childhood trauma. For some individuals, compulsive lying develops into a coping mechanism to manage emotional distress, ultimately leading them to pathologically lie whenever they feel threatened or insecure. Over time, this can become a pattern of habitual lying that stems from deeper mental health issues, making it difficult for them to seek help and break the cycle.
How can pathological lying impact personal and social behavior?
Pathological lying, sometimes referred to as morbid lying in psychological literature, can severely damage relationships. Friends and family may find it hard to trust someone who lies frequently, often resulting in isolation and loss of genuine connections. Pathological liar signs in personal and social settings can include constant deception, rapidly changing stories, and a tendency to deflect blame.
Over time, these behaviors may coincide with deeper mental health disorders, intensifying the emotional toll on both the individual and those around them. Another set of pathological liar signs includes manipulating social groups or telling elaborate tales to gain sympathy, eventually leading to a breakdown of trust.
What mental health challenges are associated with being a pathological liar?
Pathological liars often struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and, in some cases, depression. Their behavior can also lead to social isolation, which makes these mental health issues even worse. According to psychiatric research, people who exhibit such pathological liar signs frequently battle underlying mental health disorders that may stem from unmet emotional needs or unresolved trauma. For some, lying serves as a coping mechanism for managing stress or a sense of inadequacy, further compounding their emotional strain.
The very words pathological liars choose are often designed to manipulate or shift blame, which eventually damages trust and worsens their relationships. Many face a complex interplay of feelings that can benefit from guidance provided by mental health experts, who can develop a proper treatment plan. Without such professional assistance, it can be extraordinarily difficult to break free from these destructive patterns and alleviate the mental health issues tied to habitual deceit.
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