What is a pathological liar definition
Everything you need to know
Pathological liars tell compulsive lies without a clear motive. This type of lying is different than nonpathological lying, where the lie is often beneficial in some way.
Lying is a common feature of social interactions among humans. This behavior even occurs in some animals, such as monkeys.
Lies often lead to some benefit. For example, a person may lie to avoid social embarrassment. While some people lie more frequently than others, it is not typically a sign of a mental health condition.
Pathological lying is different. It may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition, such as a personality disorder.
In this article, we discuss pathological lying in more detail, including how to recognize it and how to cope with this behavior in others.
Share on PinterestA pathological liar is someone who lies compulsively and without any clear benefit.Lying refers to making a false statement to deceive others intentionally, often for some form of personal gain.
Nonpathological lying is commonplace and not a sign of any disorder. A person who pathologically lies will lie compulsively and without any clear benefit to themselves.
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.
There has been little research in this area, and the causes of pathological lying are unknown.
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.
Factitious disorder
Factitious disorder — sometimes called Munchausen’s syndrome — is a condition in which a person acts as though they are physically or mentally ill when they are not.
Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy is when someone lies about another person having an illness. This condition is most common in mothers, who feign illness in their child and lie to a doctor about it.
The causes of factitious disorder are unknown. Theories include:
- biological or genetic causes
- childhood abuse or neglect
- low self-esteem
- the presence of a personality disorder
- substance abuse
- depression
Personality disorders
Pathological lying is a possible symptom of certain personality disorders, including:
- borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
- antisocial personality disorder (APD)
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.
These personality disorders can lead to significant challenges with interpersonal relationships.
Frontotemporal dementia
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.
These changes can include:
- inappropriate social behavior
- lack of empathy
- loss of insight into the behavior of others and oneself
- changes in food preferences
- compulsive behavior
- boredom
- agitation
Share on PinterestPathological lies often differ from ordinary lies in that they are easy for others to verify as incorrect.
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.
Pathological lies are easy for others to verify, which can ultimately be harmful to the person who tells them. For example, the individual may make false accusations or grandiose claims about their past that are simple for others to check.
Pathological lying is not a formal diagnosis, but a doctor or therapist may recognize the behavior as a sign of another underlying condition, such as a personality disorder or factitious disorder.
These disorders include overlapping symptoms, including compulsive lying. People with these conditions also display other signs.
It is possible for pathological lying to be an independent symptom, as some people engage in pathological lying without having any underlying medical condition.
It can be challenging for a doctor to determine whether someone is engaging in pathological lying because there are no psychological or biological tests for it.
To diagnose most mental health conditions, a doctor will use a clinical interview.
If the person is not honest about their lying, it could be necessary for the doctor to talk with family members or friends to help identify patterns of pathological lying.
Coping with someone who lies pathologically can be challenging. Forming and maintaining a trusting relationship with this person can take time and patience.
It is important to remember that the person may not intend to cause harm or benefit from these lies. Pathological lying can be a compulsion, and it often leads to negative consequences for the person telling the lies. Therefore, try to avoid responding angrily or blaming them for the lies.
It is also helpful to be aware that pathological lying may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition. Talking to the person about whether they have any other symptoms can help them identify the problem and seek help from a doctor or therapist.
Share on PinterestIf a doctor suspects pathological lying is part of an underlying personality disorder, they may suggest psychotherapy.
As pathological lying is not a recognized condition, there are no formal treatments for it.
If a doctor suspects that an underlying condition is causing the lying, they may suggest treatment for that condition.
For example, treatment for personality disorders usually involves psychotherapy or medication.
As pathological lying can be harmful to others, a doctor may also suggest therapy for those close to the individual. A therapist will work with them to help them manage their responses to the problem.
Pathological lying is when a person compulsively lies without a clear motive for doing so. The lies may become elaborate and detailed, but they are often easy to verify.
Pathological lies do not lead to any lasting benefit for the person who tells them, and they can be harmful to others.
It is vital to remember that the lying is a compulsion and that a person who pathologically lies does not intend to harm others or better themselves.
As pathological lying is not a recognized condition, there are no formal treatments for it.
However, pathological lying may be a sign of an underlying condition that a doctor can help with, such as a personality disorder.
Everything you need to know
Pathological liars tell compulsive lies without a clear motive. This type of lying is different than nonpathological lying, where the lie is often beneficial in some way.
Lying is a common feature of social interactions among humans. This behavior even occurs in some animals, such as monkeys.
Lies often lead to some benefit. For example, a person may lie to avoid social embarrassment. While some people lie more frequently than others, it is not typically a sign of a mental health condition.
Pathological lying is different. It may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition, such as a personality disorder.
In this article, we discuss pathological lying in more detail, including how to recognize it and how to cope with this behavior in others.
Share on PinterestA pathological liar is someone who lies compulsively and without any clear benefit.
Lying refers to making a false statement to deceive others intentionally, often for some form of personal gain.
Nonpathological lying is commonplace and not a sign of any disorder. A person who pathologically lies will lie compulsively and without any clear benefit to themselves.
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.
There has been little research in this area, and the causes of pathological lying are unknown.
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.
Factitious disorder
Factitious disorder — sometimes called Munchausen’s syndrome — is a condition in which a person acts as though they are physically or mentally ill when they are not.
Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy is when someone lies about another person having an illness. This condition is most common in mothers, who feign illness in their child and lie to a doctor about it.
The causes of factitious disorder are unknown. Theories include:
- biological or genetic causes
- childhood abuse or neglect
- low self-esteem
- the presence of a personality disorder
- substance abuse
- depression
Personality disorders
Pathological lying is a possible symptom of certain personality disorders, including:
- borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
- antisocial personality disorder (APD)
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.
These personality disorders can lead to significant challenges with interpersonal relationships.
Frontotemporal dementia
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.
These changes can include:
- inappropriate social behavior
- lack of empathy
- loss of insight into the behavior of others and oneself
- changes in food preferences
- compulsive behavior
- boredom
- agitation
Share on PinterestPathological lies often differ from ordinary lies in that they are easy for others to verify as incorrect.
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.
Pathological lies are easy for others to verify, which can ultimately be harmful to the person who tells them. For example, the individual may make false accusations or grandiose claims about their past that are simple for others to check.
Pathological lying is not a formal diagnosis, but a doctor or therapist may recognize the behavior as a sign of another underlying condition, such as a personality disorder or factitious disorder.
These disorders include overlapping symptoms, including compulsive lying. People with these conditions also display other signs.
It is possible for pathological lying to be an independent symptom, as some people engage in pathological lying without having any underlying medical condition.
It can be challenging for a doctor to determine whether someone is engaging in pathological lying because there are no psychological or biological tests for it.
To diagnose most mental health conditions, a doctor will use a clinical interview.
If the person is not honest about their lying, it could be necessary for the doctor to talk with family members or friends to help identify patterns of pathological lying.
Coping with someone who lies pathologically can be challenging. Forming and maintaining a trusting relationship with this person can take time and patience.
It is important to remember that the person may not intend to cause harm or benefit from these lies. Pathological lying can be a compulsion, and it often leads to negative consequences for the person telling the lies. Therefore, try to avoid responding angrily or blaming them for the lies.
It is also helpful to be aware that pathological lying may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition. Talking to the person about whether they have any other symptoms can help them identify the problem and seek help from a doctor or therapist.
Share on PinterestIf a doctor suspects pathological lying is part of an underlying personality disorder, they may suggest psychotherapy.
As pathological lying is not a recognized condition, there are no formal treatments for it.
If a doctor suspects that an underlying condition is causing the lying, they may suggest treatment for that condition.
For example, treatment for personality disorders usually involves psychotherapy or medication.
As pathological lying can be harmful to others, a doctor may also suggest therapy for those close to the individual. A therapist will work with them to help them manage their responses to the problem.
Pathological lying is when a person compulsively lies without a clear motive for doing so. The lies may become elaborate and detailed, but they are often easy to verify.
Pathological lies do not lead to any lasting benefit for the person who tells them, and they can be harmful to others.
It is vital to remember that the lying is a compulsion and that a person who pathologically lies does not intend to harm others or better themselves.
As pathological lying is not a recognized condition, there are no formal treatments for it.
However, pathological lying may be a sign of an underlying condition that a doctor can help with, such as a personality disorder.
Pathological liars: what makes them lie?
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Man among menKnow thyselfPractices how to
- Photo
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Will you swear that you will always tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Hardly, like 99.99% of the people in the world. Anyone who claims that he has never lied is clearly disingenuous. However, most can honestly say that they are at least trying not to cheat.
But there is a special category of people for whom lying is a way of life. It is easier for pathological and compulsive liars to make up three boxes than to tell the truth. Why do they do it and how to crack them? nine0003
Pseudology fantasy
Pathological lie, mythomania or Pseudologia Fantastica, causes a lot of controversy among psychologists and psychiatrists.
Some believe that this is only a symptom of a more complex disorder (for example, borderline personality disorder, sociopathy or narcissism), others are convinced that this is a deviation in itself.
It has been suggested that this is a special form of addiction: a person cheats under the influence of a psychological impulse, like an alcoholic, a smoker or a gambler, in response to specific triggers. However, the fact remains that some people lie all the time. nine0003
Their deceit can be called chronic, since it is observed throughout life, or habitual in the sense that it becomes second nature
People of this type always act under the influence of internal motivation, and not external factors. In other words, they lie not so much to avoid the unpleasant consequences of the truth, but for the sake of "sport interest".
Pathological liars are not so easy to recognize, especially on a superficial acquaintance or at the beginning of a relationship.
They may seem interesting, intelligent, sociable, charming. Their true face is revealed only with time, and then communication becomes strained. Lying endlessly can destroy friendships, loves, work relationships, and even families. nine0003
Pathological and compulsive lying: what is the difference?
Two types of lies have their own characteristics. How do you know who you are dealing with?
Pathological liars:
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Lie down with a specific purpose,
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Invent fantastic stories that can endlessly complement with new details,
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Believe everything that the outfits,
-
are indignant when they are suspected in deceit,
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lie to strengthen their authority,
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do not blush or feel embarrassed.
Compulsive liars:
-
seriously believe that they are obliged to lie: either because they do not know how to do otherwise, or if it is inconvenient to tell the truth,
-
often lie for no clear reason and without any benefit, 9003
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make up fables on the go without really thinking about credibility,
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prefer "holy" lies, which they think others would like to hear,
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tend to feel someone else's distrust,
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when they are caught, they confess that they are lying, but continue to fool others.
These differences are very conditional, because deceivers easily change masks.
- Photo
- Shutterstock/Fotodom.ru
What caused this behavior?
There is no clear scientific explanation for the tendency to communicate deliberately false information. This behavior is due to many genetic and environmental factors, but this set is unique for everyone. Here are the most common reasons. nine0003
1. Personality disorders
As mentioned above, lying at every turn can be a symptom of a mental disorder.
2. Features of the brain
A number of studies point to structural abnormalities in the brains of pathological liars. One such study found increased white matter volume in three regions of the prefrontal cortex.
The authors of another work believe that a stable tendency to lie is formed as the restraining emotional reaction of the amygdala weakens.
Earlier studies have found that 40% of pathological liars have damage to the central nervous system caused by epilepsy, head trauma or dangerous infections. nine0003
3. The costs of education
In childhood, we all learn what is good and what is bad. At an early age, a person may lie out of fear of punishment or for profit, and later this becomes an unconditional attitude.
4. Chemical addiction
Drug addicts and alcoholics often use cunning to hide their problem and at the same time swindle money: addictions “turn off” conscience.
5. Other psychological problems
A person who lies frequently may suffer from depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Such behavior may be associated with fear, guilt or shame, unwillingness to admit their condition. It is important to understand that not every person with such a diagnosis is a pathological deceiver! nine0003
- Photo
- Shutterstock/Fotodom.ru
Signs of pathological and compulsive lying
If you suspect that you are regularly fooled, pay attention to the characteristic signs of lying.
1. The stories of the liars are absolutely unbelievable
If you find yourself shaking your head often, refusing to believe the fables, it seems that you have come across just such a person. Someone tells how they dined with Tom Cruise or set a world record for eating sausages? You are not mistaken. nine0003
2. There is a desire to get attention
If someone lies to gain interest, and goes out of his way to prove his own worth, you are a pathological liar. They practice two ways to attract attention: Instead of admitting their mistake or honestly saying that they are in trouble, such people are talking nonsense, just to look sinless.
Make yourself a victim. nine0018 To enlist the sympathy and support of others, they complain about imaginary misfortunes.
Illnesses, death of loved ones, someone's cruelty and other catastrophes in which they allegedly suffered.
3. Liars have low self-esteem
By itself, it does not indicate pathological or compulsive lying, but in combination with other signs, it completes the portrait of a shameless deceiver. Usually low self-esteem is found in compulsive liars: it hides anxiety and insecurity. nine0003
4. They should have the last word
Arguing with a pathological liar is like banging your head against a wall. He will give the most ridiculous arguments until you get tired of arguing, just to get out of the fight as a winner. Compulsive liars are easier: they are embarrassed when they are exposed and do not insist on their own.
5. They are extremely resourceful
They manage to invent plausible versions for all occasions with lightning speed, create suitable lies literally out of thin air and present them in a convincing form. nine0003
6.
They know how to turn everything upside down If liars feel that they are close to failure, they immediately back up and change the meaning of what was said. But it is useless to catch them at their word: they will object and say that you misheard or misunderstood.
7. Their lives are chaotic and full of tragedies
They get out as best they can, trying to seem honest, but sooner or later people realize that something is wrong here. Relationships crumble, another job is lost, friends turn away, but the pathological liar is still rushing about in search of simpletons who can hang noodles on their ears. nine0003
8. They do not know how to keep secrets and love to gossip
They are not familiar with the concept of decency: they enthusiastically discuss the details of someone else's life, including intimate ones. Nothing is sacred to them.
- Photo
- Shutterstock/Fotodom.ru
How to behave with them
It would seem that there is nowhere clearer - to stop communicating and delete from life. But it's not always easy, and it's not always necessary. Not all deceivers are notorious crooks. nine0003
If you are convinced that you have encountered a narcissist or a sociopath, then there is no question: stay away from him, and do not let your conscience torment you. But if someone close to you has serious psychological problems or addiction, you probably shouldn’t say goodbye to them. What to do?
1. To believe… if necessary
To look for a lie in every word is more expensive for yourself. Yes, a person often lies, but still able to be honest. He may be exaggerating, but he's basically telling the truth. At the very least, try to figure out when to trust him and when not. nine0003
Do you remember slippery topics, during the discussion of which you often caught your interlocutor in a lie? Or periods of exacerbation, when the propensity to lie became too obvious?
A healthy skepticism doesn't hurt, but if you're not completely sure that everything you've said is a complete lie, why not assume that you're being told the truth? Of course, this does not apply to important issues: here you need to check everything.
A modicum of trust is needed: when a person knows that he will be accused of deceit anyway, why should he be honest? Those who are trusted are more likely to reveal the truth, especially if the lie is associated with guilt or shame. nine0003
2. Understand why they lie
We feel bitter when we are deceived, and this is a natural emotional reaction. Critical thinking can help you deal with it. Think: why does a person lie? What drives them? What is the reason?
If you can figure out the motives, a little bit of sympathy will surely appear. Your emotions may not subside immediately, but sooner or later you will calm down and be able to take a sober look at the situation.
3. Accept it as a fact: lies will be repeated more than once
Pathological or compulsive liars do not always control their speech. Therefore, it is wiser to admit that they are like that and you have to live with it somehow. This does not mean forcing yourself to believe tall tales or accepting their behavior as the norm.
The main thing is to realize that not every lie is said with malicious intent.
They can't help but lie. At least not now, given certain circumstances. Of course, no one forbids fighting this, but you yourself will not change anything. Try to look at it philosophically and not take it to heart. nine0003
4. Convince them to ask for help
If the interlocutor has developed a tendency to lie relatively recently, you can guess what the matter is (depression, addiction in the initial stage, childhood psychotrauma) and the person is dear to you, try to persuade him to see a psychotherapist.
People who constantly lie are not easy. And yet, do not rush to write them down as scoundrels or malicious manipulators. There are many causes for pathological or compulsive lying, and although this habit harms both those who are lied to and those who lie, it is treatable. nine0003
Daniel Levitin "Guide to Lies"
This book will help you recognize lies and process any information critically.
From it you will learn how to critically evaluate news, advertising, reports; it is easy to be persuasive by telling stories that subtly deviate from the facts - and how to recognize such stories; work with graphs and recognize data manipulation using visual means; determine who is behind the expertise, words, website, information. nine0003
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Pathological lies : causes, symptoms.
consequences Experts say - a lie does not always mean a bad character, a desire to offend, manipulate. A pathological liar is regarded by experts as a sick person. What is the basis of such behavior, which can lead to serious consequences? nine0003
Definition of pseudology
Normally, a person resorts to lies to achieve goals. Pathological deceit is found in people who do not want to benefit, deception in this case is obsessive. There is no motivation. The official medical name for pathology is pseudology. It exists as a separate diagnosis, may be included in the symptom complex of diseases. The most common type of pseudology is Munchausen's syndrome. It lies in the fact that an absolutely healthy person behaves like a sick person. Allocate delegated syndrome and by proxy. Delegated occurs in mothers. Foaming at the mouth, they prove that their child is sick and demand medical assistance. Although in fact the child is absolutely healthy. nine0003
Reasons for constant lying
The mechanisms of this behavior are not fully understood.
Experts identify 9 theories: neglect, childhood abuse, genetic, biological causes, low self-esteem, depression, substance abuse, personality disorders.
Psychiatrists, psychotherapists claim that the causes are not always related to mental health. It can be TBI, organic brain damage. The list of diseases can be quite extensive. nine0003
Differences between lies and pseudology
Mythomania allows a person to feel his importance, to attract attention. Each event can be seasoned with lies, enjoying the process.
Main differences:
| pseudology | Plain lies nine0288 |
| Purpose: none. Lies break into facts | Purpose: hide mistakes, attract attention |
| False stories are overgrown with a lot of details | Mostly to the point, without small details |
| Lies are the meaning of life, everyday, repeated | Mostly isolated cases |
| A person does not always give an account that he is telling a lie. | The liar clearly understands what he is doing, knows the consequences |
found in pathologies In both cases, the revealed lie leads to a deterioration in communication with the person who lied.
Example A man is in despair - he is on the verge of being fired. The reason is lies. He told his colleagues about his non-existent incurable disease. According to him, he is undergoing palliative therapy. At first, colleagues sympathized, helped, cared, showed sensitivity. After a couple of weeks, they began to have doubts. The pathological liar was forced to lie even more. The goal was to close the previous untruth. When he was cornered, the man stopped appearing at the workplace. The consequences of his behavior were emotional distress, dismissal. Relatives say that such behavior is normal for him. Previously, the man was fired from three jobs for the same reason. Relatives try to explain to him and prove him wrong, but this is impossible.
The liar proved his truth. nine0003
Manifestations of pathological lies
Constant lying has a number of pronounced symptoms. Mythomaniacs lie convincingly, a lot and colorfully. They easily manage to convince the interlocutor of the sincerity of their stories. The trouble is that such people do not realize that they are constantly lying.
Clinical manifestations of pseudology can be:
- lie for no apparent reason;
- faith in what was said; nine0044
- self-doubt, low self-esteem;
- inability to keep promises;
- exaltation of oneself, praise;
- communication problems.
Important! Experts say that sooner or later lies will be revealed. the desire to communicate with such a person disappears. In the end, he ends up in splendid isolation. Which negatively affects the psyche.
nine0016 How to live with a person who lies all the time Living with a chronic liar is not easy.
This requires endurance and patience. A chronic liar does not try to harm others. To set up life with such a character, you need to know the basics of lies. With personality disorders, a person is explained that he hurts others, harms, will lead to a break in relationships. The reaction to a lie should not be violent, negative. Quite the contrary - calm.
In cases of the birth of a lie due to an organic brain lesion, it will be difficult for a person to understand the essence of the claims, and will not be able to give feedback. In this case, hospitalization, drug treatment is indicated. nine0003
Relatives should not be indulged in the pathological lies of an adult. A pathological liar must understand that there will be no concessions for his behavior. It shouldn't be ignored either. There is no corresponding response, no incentive to improve.
Sign up for an online consultation if you notice that there is a pathological liar in your environment. Our psychologists will help to cope with this problem, provide psychological support to loved ones, and draw up a plan for further action.
Our experts are ready to answer questions at any time of the day. nine0003
Recognize lies by non-verbal cues
If a person knows how to control his voice, then body language, facial expressions remain uncontrolled. There are a number of signs in cases where a person is constantly lying. It is the unconscious that will give it away. What to pay attention to?
Obvious signs of deception:
- muscle clamps. It looks something like this: when talking, a potential liar begins to swing one arm strongly, while the other is pressed against the body. It is possible to increase the timbre of the voice to a screech; nine0044
- the depth and frequency of breathing are accelerated;
- the person blinks frequently;
- dry mouth, sweating;
- aggression;
- theatrical movements;
- the desire to straighten a shirt, unbutton buttons, loosen a tie.
It is equally important to remember that when evaluating a liar, they look at a combination of factors: the situation, the correspondence of words, facial expressions, movements, postures.
nine0003
FAQ
What is the psychology of a person who lies constantly?
+
If a person lies all the time, this is considered a pathology. There are many underlying reasons. It can be mental illness, a desire to exalt oneself, to pay attention. Quite often, the patient is not aware of his lie, believing in it sacredly.
Is there a concept of "lying syndrome"?
+ nine0003
This is understood as Munchausen's syndrome. When a person is lying, telling tall tales or acting like a sick person. This state is characterized by embellishment in colors of either past events or fictional ones.
Can a potential liar lie to the eye?
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Of course, that's usually what happens. Recognizing pathological lies is sometimes quite difficult, as a person sounds convincing. In this case, asking leading questions, you can understand who is in front of you.
nine0003
Why, when a person lies, does he continue to invent fables?
+
It is a natural desire to hide one lie with another. The deceiver understands that he needs to somehow get out and begins to lie even more. Thus burying himself with his head.
Expert opinion
For a constantly lying person, life becomes a continuous overcoming of obstacles. The reasons for this behavior are varied. It is difficult to identify a pathological liar right away. To do this, just watch him, the dissonance of words, physiognomy, body language. Several leading questions can be asked. Those close to such a person need to be patient and not indulge in lies. If necessary, seek help from specialists. nine0003
We publish only verified information
Article author
Monakhova Albina Petrovna clinical psychologist nine0003
Experience 17 years
Consultations 1439
Articles 292
Specialist in clinical psychology.
