They sometimes believe their own lies. Some do it so often that experts believe they may not know the difference between fact and fiction after some time. Pathological liars also tend to be natural performers. When asked questions, they may speak a lot without ever being specific or answering the question. 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. There have been some attempts to outline the differences between a pathological and a nonpathological lie, but more research is necessary to make appropriate distinctions.
A key feature of a pathological lie is that it has no obvious motivation. It is usually possible to determine why someone has told a lie — such as to benefit themselves or avoid an embarrassing or stressful social situation — but pathological lying occurs for no clear reason and does not seem to benefit the individual.
It is unclear whether a person who pathologically lies is aware of their deceit or is capable of thinking rationally about their lies. Pathological lying can make socializing difficult and lead to significant interpersonal problems with loved ones and colleagues.
It is unclear whether pathological lying is a symptom of another condition or a condition itself. For instance, compulsive lying is a feature of several other conditions, such as factitious disorder and personality disorders. This condition is most common in mothers, who feign illness in their child and lie to a doctor about it.
BPD is a condition that makes it difficult for a person to regulate their emotions. People with BPD may experience severe mood swings, feel greater instability and insecurity, and not have a stable sense of self. The hallmarks of NPD are fantasies of immense importance and the need for admiration and special treatment. Researchers argue that while pathological lying may, in theory, occur in people with APD, those with this condition often lie for personal gain or pleasure.
A person with BPD or NPD may lie to distort reality into something that fits with the emotions that they are feeling, rather than the facts.
A case study of one person showing signs of pathological lying found that their behavior patterns were similar to those that can occur with frontotemporal dementia. Frontotemporal dementia is a form of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal brain regions and causes changes in behavior and language.
Pathological lies are compulsive and may start small. The lies can gradually become more elaborate and dramatic, particularly if they are necessary to cover up for an earlier lie. They often become complicated by unnecessary amounts of detail. People who lie frequently are not necessarily pathological liars. The most distinguishing feature of a pathological lie is that it does not have a motive. 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. Counseling or psychotherapy may help, with a focus on how to reduce impulsivity. Can you tell on first meeting that someone might be a troubled liar?
That means their charm, a characteristic of liars, may have worked its devilish magic. If a new friend or acquaintance shows his colors as a compulsive or pathological liar, the mentally healthy thing to do is walk away, Ekman says. While those closely tied to a pathological liar may stay optimistic that the liar will change, Ekman tells them: "You also need to be a realist.
They have no regard for another's feelings about what might happen as a result of their lies," Feldman says. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Emotional Health. Other factors may also influence the development of pathological lying. For example, childhood trauma can result in the sufferer relying on lies to create a persona that can withstand the negative environment, a habit that can persist into adulthood.
Some scientists also believe that different hormone levels, specifically higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of cortisol, may also play into whether a person becomes a pathological liar. For adults, pathological lying can be a difficult condition to treat, as lying has often become habitual and automatic. This type of addiction, combined with the potential presence of other underlying mental health conditions, can complicate the desire for people who pathologically lie to seek treatment on their own.
Friends and family can be a critical source of support and encouragement for people struggling with pathological lying. If you are trying to have a conversation with a loved one about their lying, it is helpful to keep a few key points in mind:. Seeking treatment for pathological lying and potentially other underlying mental health conditions can be a daunting process.
At The Dawn Wellness Centre and Rehab, we ensure a compassionate, safe, holistic treatment experience that helps people address the root causes of their condition while reaffirming and strengthening the positive parts of the self. Our highly-individualised treatment plans meet the unique needs of each of our clients to offer the best outcomes. Your loved one will come away from treatment with a better understanding of their condition, how to manage stressors and triggers, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Our centre is located on the lush riverbanks of Chiang Mai, Thailand. If you think that your loved one may be struggling with pathological lying, call us today to learn more about how The Dawn can help them rediscover truth, and reclaim a brighter future.
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