
Psychology today says that compulsive lying can be treated without the presence of another diagnosis, too, primarily by focusing on the truths behind the lies. Treating the conditions themselves can help relieve symptoms like compulsive lying. Compulsive lying can be a manifestation of a personality disorder, such as Antisocial Personality Disorder, or Borderline Personality Disorder, but can also be a symptom of a mood disorder, such as an anxiety, depressive, or bipolar disorder. There is neither rhyme nor reason for pathological lying, and it can feel as frustrating to the perpetrator as it is to their family, close friends, and coworkers.īecause compulsive lying is not a condition in and of itself, there is no dedicated therapeutic modality for treatment, but therapists can treat the underlying causes of compulsive lying. Although someone might lie on a resume in order to get their dream job, a pathological liar might habitually lie about where they are, despite not committing any misdeed, or may say something like, "Oh, I'm visiting my aunt," while they are sitting at home in bed, knitting a sweater. Instead, the lies are often mundane, needless, and even bizarre. This is part of what makes pathological lying so interesting and difficult to nail down the lies are not used to gain something, get out of trouble, or further a need. Still, others possess some characteristics of each, where people are never quite certain what information they present is true and what is categorically false.Ĭompulsive lying is often seen as intentional, willful behavior, but just as its name suggests, lying is an impulse that is difficult to control. Some compulsive liars are masters of deception and can get away with seeming as though everything they say is golden and wholly without flaw, while others are known liars, and have reputations that follow them wherever they go. You should find a support group to manage your feelings and chronic pain caused by the chronic liar in your life.Ĭompulsive lying typically begins in childhood or adolescence, but how it presents can differ. Mental health issues are serious for the people who are dealing with the condition, as well as the family members impacted by the behaviors of the offender. Should this be the cause, you should find a therapist or find a psychiatrist.

Although compulsive lying is not recognized as a distinct condition by mental health professionals, it can be considered a symptom of other conditions, including personality and mood disorders. Although most lies are delivered to gain something, passive aggression, compulsive or pathological liars seem to lie purely for the practice itself. This website is owned and operated by BetterHelp, who receives all fees associated with the platform.Ĭompulsive lying is a state characterized by excessive lies, usually without a clear motive or purpose.
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