Everyone lies sometimes; it’s human nature. In fact, the occasional white lie can be a kind service to someone else. But when does lying cross over from normal to a disordered level? Keep reading to learn what a pathological liar is, how pathological lying ties into mental health and treatment options for this behavior.
What Is a Pathological Liar?
Pathological lying disorder, also commonly called pseudologia fantastica (Latin for “fantastic pseudology”), is when a person chronically and compulsively lies. The condition is also sometimes referred to as compulsive lying disorder.
Pathological liars lie frequently and at varying scales. Throughout the day, they may tell small, insignificant lies or large, substantial lies that can harm themselves or others. They often tell lies for no apparent reason and without a care for the consequences. They can even convince themselves that their own lies are truth, and reality becomes blurred for them.
A pathological liar typically starts their behavior in their teens.
Some of the characteristics of a pathological liar are:
- Constant lying
- Unnecessary lying that has no apparent benefit
- Difficulties telling the truth from their lies
- Lack of remorse
- Refusing to acknowledge their deception
- Manipulative personality
- Often escalating lies
- Potential association with other mental health conditions
How to Identify a Pathological Liar
Often, people can identify when they have a pathological liar in their life. After enough time passes, you catch this person always being untruthful. But there’s also a more clinical way to identify pathological liars.
A questionnaire known as the Survey of Pathological Lying Behaviors (SPL) asks nine questions about lying behavior, which you answer on a scale of 1 to 7 (1=strongly disagree, 7=strongly agree).
The questions on the SPL are:
- I often find myself telling lies, even when there is no clear reason to do so.
- I feel guilty or remorseful after lying.
- I believe I am better than others at deceiving people.
- My lies have caused significant problems in my personal or professional life.
- I feel a sense of excitement or satisfaction when successfully deceiving others.
- There are particular situations or contexts in which I am more likely to lie.
- I have sought professional help or counseling for issues related to lying.
- I often embellish stories or exaggerate details in conversations.
- I have fabricated stories about my past experiences or achievements.
Based on the answers, individuals receive a score indicating how likely they are to be a pathological liar. The scoring model is as follows:
- 9-21. Low likelihood of pathological lying tendencies
- 22-35. Moderate likelihood of pathological lying tendencies
- 36-49. High likelihood of pathological lying tendencies
- 50-63. Very high likelihood of pathological lying tendencies
Of course, this test is just a screening and isn’t a diagnostic assurance. Individuals may lie on the test, which makes their results inaccurate. Ultimately, a person who scores 22 or higher on this test should speak to a mental health professional for further evaluation.
Is Pathological Lying a Mental Health Disorder?
At this time, pathological lying isn’t considered a stand-alone mental health disorder. Instead, it’s listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a symptom of other disorders. Pathological lying is connected to conditions such as antisocial, narcissistic, borderline and histrionic personality disorders. The need to compulsively lie when having a personality disorder stems from multiple reasons, including to gain social status or sympathy or to avoid rejection.
Because pathological lying isn’t considered a stand-alone disorder, it can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Ultimately, experts define someone as being a pathological liar if they lie multiple times a day for 6 months or longer.
While the DSM doesn’t recognize pathological lying as its own condition, some argue it should be given this status. In 2020, a study was published focusing on pathological lying. The study looked at 807 people, of which 13% self-identified as pathological liars. These people reported that their tendency to lie caused them greater distress, impaired functioning and put them in more danger. As a result, the researchers concluded that there’s enough of an impact to support pathological lying being classified as a “distinct diagnostic entity.”
Treatment Options for Pathological Liars
Pathological liars have a compulsive need to lie, and they can’t stop themselves despite repeated negative consequences. Still, many report that they want to get help and change their ways.
There’s no medication that can help. Instead, the most effective course of treatment for pathological liars is therapy. However, even counseling can be complicated. The individual must honestly want help and be fully committed to the sessions.
Additionally, the therapist needs to be skilled in dealing with compulsive liars so they can detect when the patient is being deceitful. A long relationship with a therapist is the best chance for helping the person change. This allows the therapist to truly get to know the patient and recognize warning signs when they lie.
Dealing With a Pathological Liar
Having a pathological liar in your life can be mentally exhausting. You find yourself questioning everything they say. And your trust and bond with the person may deteriorate.
Here are some tips for dealing with someone who’s compulsively lying to you and others:
- Don’t get angry with them. This won’t do anything to help change their ways.
- Remind yourself this isn’t about you. Pathological liars have a compulsion they can’t control. Their lying isn’t really about you; it’s about their habits.
- Be supportive. The best way to get the individual to seek help is to support them.
- Address lies or end conversations. When you know they’re lying to you, your response should be to calmly call them out or disengage from the conversation.
- Encourage them to seek help. Ultimately, this person needs to talk to a therapist to change their behavior. You can talk to them about the benefits of speaking to a counselor.
Find the Right Therapist With the Mental Health Hotline
Whether you’re struggling with lying tendencies or have a loved one with this behavior, the next step is finding the right counselor. Mental Health Hotline partners with reputable mental health care providers nationwide to get you the help you need. We can answer your mental health questions confidentially and free of charge. Contact us today to get help.
