Sometimes they will believe their own lies. They may tell different versions of the same story, this is because they have forgotten the previous details. They are creative and original, are quick to improvise, and often do not show the usual signs of lying, such as long pauses when speaking or avoiding eye contact. They also know how to interact with others when communicating. Pathological liars also tend to be good orators. They respond elaborately and quickly to questions, but the responses are often vague and provide no answer to the question. The stories they tell are often dramatic, detailed, and colorful. The stories they tell tend to be complex and very detailed. Pathological liars tend to tell lies in the hope of gaining the admiration, sympathy, or acceptance of others. They often appear to be heroes or victims in many of their stories. While a person may lie to avoid uncomfortable situations, such as avoiding mistakes or getting into trouble, a pathological liar lies but does not have a specific purpose or benefit. Here are some signs that can help you identify a pathological liar: Pathological lies appear to have no particular benefit. We’ve all told a white lie to protect someone’s feelings, or stretched the truth a little to avoid a conflict or get out of something we don’t want to do.Identifying a pathological liar is not always easy. But when it becomes a habit, and other pathological liar signs are also present, a mental health issue may be causing the behavior.Ī pathological liar not only lies frequently, but may feel a compulsion to do so. Pathological liars can’t stop lying even when it causes psychological distress, puts them in danger, and creates problems with relationships, work, or other aspects of daily life. Furthermore, pathological lying tends to start early-in adolescence and young adulthood. What Is a Pathological Liar?īeing a pathological liar is not in itself a mental health diagnosis. It is not included in the DSM-5, which lists mental health disorders. However, it is an established concept in psychology. Pathological lying is related to disordered thinking patterns and beliefs. The word pathological indicates that there is an underlying pathology, or illness. Hence, pathological liar signs are associated with various underlying mental health conditions. Pathological lying was first identified in 1891 by psychiatrist Anton Delbrück. He gave it the Latin name pseudologia fantastica (sometimes spelled phantastica). Pathological lying is also known as mythomania and morbid lying. The original definition was “falsification entirely disproportionate to any discernible end in view, may be extensive and very complicated, manifesting over a period of years or even a lifetime.”Ĭontemporary researchers have modified that definition. A 2020 study defined pathological lying as “a persistent, pervasive, and often compulsive pattern of excessive lying behavior that leads to clinically significant impairment of functioning in social, occupational, or other areas causes marked distress poses a risk to the self or others and occurs for longer than six months.” The same study found that between 8 and 13 percent of people identify themselves as pathological liars, or say that other identify them that way. Pathological lying is defined by some experts as lying five or more times daily, every day, for longer than six months. Telling dramatic and highly unlikely stories.Embellishing lies with extensive details.Typical pathological liar signs in young adults include: How do you recognize a pathological liar? Consistent lying and making up stories are the primary signs of pathological lying. Acting in ways that don’t match their words.Passing off a story someone else told as their own.Feeling a “high” when they get away with lying.Seeming unconcerned with being caught in a lie.Lying about something even when there’s no reason to.Constantly changing their story or being vague when questioned.Getting defensive when confronted about a lie. Pathological liars may lie for a specific reason, or their lying may be more random. And pathological lying is not defined just by the frequency of lies. The distress and danger that lying causes is also significant. How Do You Know If Someone Is a Pathological Liar? For example, a pathological liar may lie about their suicidal tendencies in a therapy session, putting themselves in danger.
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