Compulsive lying can also be more of a reflex, where a person lies without even realizing it.
Have you ever had the feeling that someone youre talking to is not telling the truth?
Or that what theyre saying doesnt match up with the facts?
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Over time, have you caught this person in multiplelies, some small, and others big?
If so, you may wonder if the person could be a pathological liar.
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What Is Pathological Lying?
And we know that pathological lying differs from other types of lying because its problematic.
Here are the differences between telling the occasional lie,lying compulsively, and lying pathologically.
Some experts dont use the term compulsive lying at all.
A person who tells lies without thinking almost like a reflex is lying compulsively.
Compulsive liars may have started lying in childhood to cope or protect themselves.
Some lies may have elements of truth, like certain people, places, or details that are accurate.
The things compulsive liars lie about can vary.
They may want to stop lying but feel like they cant because its out of their control.
Like other problematic lying, pathological lying can be unconscious and without any obvious gain.
However, it can also be intended tomanipulateothers.
They may even claim to be related to an important historical figure or celebrity.
However, a pathological liar will continue to lie despite these negative effects.
If you call out a pathological liar, chances are theyll deny the lie.
Why Isnt Pathological Lying a Disorder?
The uncertainty becomes exhausting and stressful because youre constantly checking whether the persons words match their actions.
It can be difficult to trust them and build a relationship with them.
Remember that some people who are pathological liars are dealing withunderlying mental health conditionsthat need professional treatment.
you could encourage them to seekmental health treatmentand offer support.
Model honesty and openness in your conversations and come from a nonjudgmental place.
A pathological liar may even become hostile when confronted.
Find out which option is the best for you.
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With Drew Curtis, PhD, and Christian L. Hart, PhD.
Curtis DA, Hart CL.Pathological lying: psychotherapists experiences and ability to diagnose.The American Journal of Psychotherapy.
Halevy R, Shaul Shalvi, Verschuere B.Being honest about dishonesty: correlating self-reports and actual lying.Human Communication Research.
Garrett N, Lazzaro SC, Ariely D, Sharot T.The brain adapts to dishonesty.Nat Neurosci.
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