What you should know about pathological lying

Once in a while, you might come across someone, a colleague, celebrity, or politician who has outstanding tales of their achievements and talents.

These individuals may not be doing it to harm or take people’s money, they could just be doing it for attention and popularity.

But in reality, these people are pathological liars and here is what to know about them.

Pathological lying, also known as ‘pseudologia fantastica’, ‘deception syndrome’ or ‘mythomania’, is a psychiatric phenomenon characterised by compulsive or habitual lying.

Individuals who engage in pathological lying tell lies about imagined events and often boast about themselves and their achievements.

This occurs frequently and out of habit, often for no clear benefit to themselves or others.

Here are some key aspects of pathological lying:

1. Compulsiveness:

Pathological lying is compulsive; the individual feels a strong urge to lie and often does so without considering the consequences or necessity of the lie.

2. Lack of External Motivation:

Unlike ordinary lying, which typically has an external motive (e.g., to avoid punishment or gain a reward), pathological lying may not have a clear purpose. The lies can be grandiose, outlandish, self-aggrandizing, or completely inconsequential.

3. Consistency:

The lies told by a pathological liar are often consistent and elaborate. They may weave intricate stories that are internally consistent to an extent they may feel believable but entirely fabricated.

4. Reaction to Confrontation:

When confronted with their lies, pathological liars may become defensive, double down on their falsehoods, or create even more elaborate stories to cover up previous lies.

Causes

The exact causes of pathological lying are not well understood, but several factors may contribute to the development of this behavior:

1. Psychological Disorders:

Pathological lying is often associated with certain psychological disorders, including antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.

2. Trauma and Childhood Experiences:

Traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood, may contribute to the development of pathological lying. Individuals who experience neglect, abuse, or other forms of trauma may develop lying as a coping mechanism.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing pathological lying can be difficult for individuals because it relies heavily on the self-reporting of the individual, who is often unreliable. seudologia fantastica requires no particular lie-detecting skill on the part of the clinician; the lies told within this context are often outlandish, fantastical, or even impossible.

Treatment

Treatment for pathological lying typically involves psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals recognize and change their lying behaviours. In cases where pathological lying is associated with another mental health disorder, treating the underlying condition can also help reduce lying.

Effects

Pathological lying can have significant negative impacts on an individual's life, including:

1. Relationship Issues:

- The constant dishonesty can lead to breakdowns in personal relationships, as friends, family members, and partners struggle to trust the individual.

2. Professional Consequences:

- In the workplace, pathological lying can lead to job loss, damaged professional reputations, and legal issues.

3. Legal Problems:

Pathological liars may find themselves in legal trouble if their lies involve fraudulent activities or other illegal behaviours.

Sources

Oxford Academic

Psychology Today

Mayo Clinic

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