Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow They OperateCausesEffect on OthersInteractingEnding a RelationshipCan They Stop Lying?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How They Operate
Causes
Effect on Others
Interacting
Ending a Relationship
Can They Stop Lying?
A pathological liar is someone who lies excessively and for no reason. Such lying can cause distress and dysfunction in an individual’s life and relationships. Pathological lying can seem compulsive and may be used interchangeably with compulsive lying.
Pathological lying is not listed as a diagnosis in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition(DSM-5) nor the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10), which means that it’s not an officially recognized mental health condition. However, researchers have suggested that pathological lying should be established as its own diagnosis.
This article talks about the characteristics of a pathological liar, how pathological lying can impact a person’s life and their relationships, and potential treatment options.
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Profile of Pathological Liars: How They Operate
Due to limited research on pathological lying and the fact that it’s not an official mental health diagnosis, it’s unclear how common pathological lying is. Some researchers have estimated that up to 5% of people are pathological liars.The lack of research on pathological lying also makes it difficult to assess the criteria for how a pathological liar may operate.
However, research has suggested that determining whether someone is a pathological liar may be based on why they lie, how often they lie, and the impact on themselves or others. For example, some researchers argue that criteria for pathological lying include:
Furthermore, pathological liars are different from prolific liars (people who tell lies more often than the average person) in that pathological liars feel a natural tendency to lie even if it is for no reason, feel distressed from lying, their lies put themselves or others in danger, and their lying significantly impacts their social relationships.
Pathological Lying vs. Other Types of LyingPathological lying differs from other types of lying, such as white lies, in that there is no apparent reason for the lie. Other kinds of lying are usually done for a certain purpose, such as avoiding punishment for some wrongdoing or avoiding conflict or embarrassment.
Pathological Lying vs. Other Types of Lying
Pathological lying differs from other types of lying, such as white lies, in that there is no apparent reason for the lie. Other kinds of lying are usually done for a certain purpose, such as avoiding punishment for some wrongdoing or avoiding conflict or embarrassment.
Why Are People Pathological Liars?
Researchers have noted that pathological lying grows from an initial lie, the behavior appears to be compulsive, and that pathological liars tend to lie for no apparent reason.
In addition, lying for no reason, lying to maintain a previous lie, and the fear of being caught in a lie can cause distress. This level of distress is one of the key reasons why researchers argue that pathological lying should be considered its own mental health disorder.
While pathological lying isn’t yet a recognized mental health condition in and of itself, it can be a facet of other recognized mental health conditions. For example, pathological lying is one of the criteria used to assess lying behaviors associated withpsychopathy.
Psychopathy is not an official mental health diagnosis, but some of its symptoms overlap with those ofantisocial personality disorder. One of the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder is frequent lying.
One study found that psychotherapists often diagnose a person who engages in pathological lying with a personality disorder, includingborderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder,narcissistic personality disorder, a general personality disorder, or a mix of personality disorders.
However, this same study found that most of the psychotherapist participants thought pathological lying should be its own diagnosis.
Is Pathological Lying Related to Narcissism?Research has shown that narcissism is related to lying.Someone who’s narcissistic may be prone to patterns of deceit and lying.Furthermore, a person with a narcissistic personality may have a positive attitude toward deception and see themselves as a better liar than the average person.
Is Pathological Lying Related to Narcissism?
Research has shown that narcissism is related to lying.Someone who’s narcissistic may be prone to patterns of deceit and lying.Furthermore, a person with a narcissistic personality may have a positive attitude toward deception and see themselves as a better liar than the average person.
Effect of Pathological Lying on Others
Pathological lying can negatively impact others and can be dangerous. One study showed that pathological liars are more likely to report that their lies put themselves or others in danger.
For example, if a pathological liar were to lie to a therapist about suicidal ideation—that is, not share that they have been thinking about suicide—they may not get appropriate care to prevent further suicidal ideation or actions.
How to Confront Someone With Pathological Liar Tendencies
Interacting with someone who constantly lies can be difficult and frustrating. You may feel like you need to have your guard up. However, there are ways to protect yourself from someone else’s pathological lying.
If you know someone tends to lie, simply being aware of that can make you more sensitive to their dishonesty. In addition, inconsistent information and unbelievable statements or claims can be clues that someone is lying.
When confronting someone about their pathological lying tendencies, keep in mind that they may deny that they lie a lot—basically, telling a lie about their lying. Also, pathological lying can be compulsive and cause a lot of distress, so exercising compassion is key. You might ask if they’ve considered talking to a healthcare provider or therapist to seek help.
How to End a Relationship With a Pathological Liar
Research has shown that pathological lying significantly impacts social relationships more so than other important areas of life, like the workplace.Trust is a key aspect of healthy relationships. It’s understandable to feel stress in a relationship with someone who lies pathologically, as trust is limited or broken.
If you’re looking to end a relationship or friendship with someone you suspect is a pathological liar, keep in mind that pathological lying is usually not personal—these lies are told for no apparent reason. But it can still be hurtful. Be kind but firm when talking about the impact someone’s pathological lying has on you and your relationship with them.
Can Pathological Liars Stop Lying?
As pathological lying is not officially recognized, research on effective treatments is limited. However, some researchers suggest thatcognitive behavioral therapy, positive reinforcement for honesty, and group therapy may be appropriate for people seeking help with pathological lying.
With cognitive behavioral therapy, a pathological liar may be encouraged to notice the kinds of situations in which they feel inclined to lie. Not giving attention to those tendencies and instead choosing and reinforcing honesty may be a helpful practice.
Group therapy may also be helpful because group dynamics not only take the pressure off the therapist-client dynamic but also allow a pathological liar to see that the groups can detect their lies.
Because of the distress, dysfunction, and impact on relationships pathological lying can have, it’s important that those who want to get help with pathological lying have an opportunity to do so. More research is needed on what kinds of treatments and therapies may be most helpful for pathological liars looking for ways to help themselves and their relationships.
Summary
One of the greatest impacts that pathological lying has is on social relationships, as it can be difficult to trust someone who lies pathologically. More research is needed on effective treatments, but cognitive behavioral therapy, therapy that reinforces honesty, and group therapy may help.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: Can a pathological liar be cured? With Drew Curtis, PhD, and Christian L. Hart, PhD.Curtis DA, Hart CL.Pathological lying: theoretical and empirical support for a diagnostic entity.Psychiatr Res Clin Pract. 2020;2(2):62-69. doi:10.1176/appi.prcp.20190046MedlinePlus.Antisocial personality disorder.Curtis DA, Hart CL.Pathological lying: psychotherapists’ experiences and ability to diagnose.The American Journal of Psychotherapy. 2022;75(2):61-66. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20210006Elaad E, Hanania SB, Mazor S, Zvi L.The relations between deception, narcissism and self-assessed lie- and truth-related abilities.Psychiatr Psychol Law. 2020;27(5):880-893. doi:10.1080/13218719.2020.1751328American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: recognizing a narcissist, with Ramani Durvasula, PhD.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: Can a pathological liar be cured? With Drew Curtis, PhD, and Christian L. Hart, PhD.Curtis DA, Hart CL.Pathological lying: theoretical and empirical support for a diagnostic entity.Psychiatr Res Clin Pract. 2020;2(2):62-69. doi:10.1176/appi.prcp.20190046MedlinePlus.Antisocial personality disorder.Curtis DA, Hart CL.Pathological lying: psychotherapists’ experiences and ability to diagnose.The American Journal of Psychotherapy. 2022;75(2):61-66. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20210006Elaad E, Hanania SB, Mazor S, Zvi L.The relations between deception, narcissism and self-assessed lie- and truth-related abilities.Psychiatr Psychol Law. 2020;27(5):880-893. doi:10.1080/13218719.2020.1751328American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: recognizing a narcissist, with Ramani Durvasula, PhD.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: Can a pathological liar be cured? With Drew Curtis, PhD, and Christian L. Hart, PhD.Curtis DA, Hart CL.Pathological lying: theoretical and empirical support for a diagnostic entity.Psychiatr Res Clin Pract. 2020;2(2):62-69. doi:10.1176/appi.prcp.20190046MedlinePlus.Antisocial personality disorder.Curtis DA, Hart CL.Pathological lying: psychotherapists’ experiences and ability to diagnose.The American Journal of Psychotherapy. 2022;75(2):61-66. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20210006Elaad E, Hanania SB, Mazor S, Zvi L.The relations between deception, narcissism and self-assessed lie- and truth-related abilities.Psychiatr Psychol Law. 2020;27(5):880-893. doi:10.1080/13218719.2020.1751328American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: recognizing a narcissist, with Ramani Durvasula, PhD.
American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: Can a pathological liar be cured? With Drew Curtis, PhD, and Christian L. Hart, PhD.
Curtis DA, Hart CL.Pathological lying: theoretical and empirical support for a diagnostic entity.Psychiatr Res Clin Pract. 2020;2(2):62-69. doi:10.1176/appi.prcp.20190046
MedlinePlus.Antisocial personality disorder.
Curtis DA, Hart CL.Pathological lying: psychotherapists’ experiences and ability to diagnose.The American Journal of Psychotherapy. 2022;75(2):61-66. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20210006
Elaad E, Hanania SB, Mazor S, Zvi L.The relations between deception, narcissism and self-assessed lie- and truth-related abilities.Psychiatr Psychol Law. 2020;27(5):880-893. doi:10.1080/13218719.2020.1751328
American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: recognizing a narcissist, with Ramani Durvasula, PhD.
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