Obsessive Compulsive Disorder– pathological lying has been found in some people struggling with OCD as a negative coping mechanism, employed to create affiliative relationships with others or to attempt to cover their OCD symptoms.Narcissistic Personality Disorder – the exaggerated sense of self-importance that is a key characteristic of NPD can be manifested in a compulsive liar’s boastful lies about their personal accomplishments, social connections, or career achievements.Some common conditions linked to pathological lying include: However, psychiatrists have found that pathological lying is often connected to other mental health conditions, particularly personality disorders. In some cases, pathological lying is a singular disorder known as pseudologia fantastica or factitious disorder, in which the person’s main symptom is the compulsive need to lie about both big and small issues for no clear reason. In order to make this diagnosis, a mental health specialist will need to consider a variety of factors, including whether common characteristics of the condition are present, and how long symptoms of this disorder have been occurring. Is there a pathological liar test?Ĭurrently, there is no standardised, medically accepted pathological liar test. Despite scepticism or frustration from others with the lack of truthfulness, pathological liars often display little concern or guilt about getting found out. When further questioned, a compulsive liar might give quick and detailed responses that only vaguely answer the question. This could include creating a completely false personal history, making up a fictional relationship with a celebrity, or claiming to be suffering from a dire illness. Pathological lies are continuous, compulsive, complex, and can occur for no apparent reason. Similarly, a lie from time to time, such as an occasional lie told to avoid conflict or blame, is problematic but not necessarily a sign that someone is mentally ill. White lies are told without any ill-intent, and are generally considered to be harmless. You could truthfully tell your friend, for example, that you think his new haircut makes him look ten years older, but you don’t want to make him feel bad, so you instead say it looks great. A white lie, or a lie told to avoid hurt or ill-feelings in another person, is a common by-product of many social interactions. There is a significant difference between pathological lies and white lies. What Makes a Pathological Lie Different from Other Lies? If you notice someone frequently lying about their health, wealth, or career status, this could be a sign of pathological lying.
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