Compulsive Lying Disorder
From LoveToKnow Recovery
Have you ever wondered if someone you know has a compulsive lying disorder? Read on to find out more about this disorder and how you can deal with that person.
The Definition of Compulsive Liar
A compulsive liar is someone who lies with ease and finds comfort in it. The person will fib about everything and anything with no conscience whatsoever. Lying has become an addiction, and the person doesn't even think about the lies he or she tells. The person will even continue to lie if you present the truth in cold hard facts. Getting a person to admit he or she lied is almost impossible.
Understanding Compulsive Lying Disorder
Surprisingly, Compulsive Lying Disorder is not actually a psychiatric disorder. Instead, it may be a symptom of another psychiatric disorder such as Borderline Personality or Bipolar Disorder. Not all people who are compulsive liars suffer from a psychiatric illness, but there is usually an underlying reason for the behavior.
- Addicted to the thrill: The person loves the excitement of being able to deceive others and enjoys the reactions received from people. The lying continues because the person craves the attention and thrill of getting away with it.
- Fear of repercussions: Sometimes people will fib when they know the truth will get them into trouble. Usually in this case, one false story turns into many others.
- Seeking rewards: People will sometimes lie because they want something they wouldn't be able to get otherwise.
- Low self-esteem: People who feel down on themselves and want to look better in the eyes of the people around them will often make up stories about themselves.
The Difference Between Pathological and Compulsive Liar
Many people get these two confused because they are similar. However, pathological liars usually only fib when they want to make themselves look better in front of other people. They create an entirely different role for themselves that they must continue to portray over time, and this means they have to keep lying.
The main difference between pathological and compulsive liars is that pathological liars will believe they are telling the truth, while compulsive liars know they are not, but will never admit it. With a pathological liar, you never really know if what they say is true or not, and you may never find out.
How to Deal with Someone Who Lies
Dealing with someone who lies is annoying and can make you angry. You never know whether you should believe the person or just ignore what he or she says. Even though you may not be able to stop the person from lying, you may be able to make it easier on yourself to deal with this individual.
- Proceed with caution: Be cautious of what the person says and do not place much worth on it.
- Do not react: Try not to give the person the reaction he or she is looking for, it will only fuel it. Over time, the person may move on to other people because the person is not receiving the response he or she craves.
- Always double check: If the person tells you something and you are just not quite sure he or she is accurate, always check with someone else who is more trustworthy.
- Avoid if necessary: Sometimes you just have to avoid the people who cause you too much stress in your life. This may be a hard step if you are romantically involved with the person, but trust is one of the most important factors in a relationship, and you cannot have that if the person is not genuine.
How NOT to Deal with a Liar
You may feel compelled to prove to the person what he or she says is not right, but save yourself the time and effort. The compulsive liar will most likely not listen to you. All it will do is cause more grief for you because you will become easily aggravated at the person because of the persistence he or she shows for the untruth.
The Choice is Yours
Compulsive lying is a habit, so it is likely the person doing the lying will never stop. You can either deal with the lies or move on with your life and enjoy it with genuine people. If you can't let this person go, just remember to not place much faith in what he or she says..
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Comments
Amymarie,
I'm glad you commented here. You have a lot going on; that's for sure. The lies may be part of the bipolar disorder or the addiction, and one condition can feed off the other. The first thing you need to do is deal with your suicidal feelings. They may be connected with the withdrawal from painkillers, but you need help now. If you can't see your doctor right away, go to to the ER and tell the staff what is going on.
Once you are feeling more stable, then it's time to get help from a therapist who can help you learn how to change your behavior, as well as coach you through the process of coming clean with the people in your life.
Jodee Redmond LoveToKnow Editor
-- Contributed by: JC RedmondI am a compulsive liar. I am also Bi-polar with Borderline traits, as well as an active drug addict. I need help. I have destroyed my life, and each day I promise to stop lying but it gets worse. I am beginning recovery for the pain killer addiction (for the umpteenth time), but have never done anything about the lies. It always gets worse when I relapse, and now i have relapsed and am taking more pills than ever, so I lie more than ever. I have told the man I love (i think I love him...not even sure if i am capable) that I am British which i am not, a writer who is about to be published,which i am not, going thru chemotherapy, which i am not. I am effed up. I am hopeless. I have lied since my first memories. it has been harder for me to tell the truth than lie for MY WHOLE LIFE. i am on the verge of ending it all. I keep thinking it is a worthless journey for me to be here...fear and family stops me. I dont even have it in me to live for myself anymore. I am at rock bottom and i need help so bad. please.
-- Contributed by: amymarieChloe,
You would need to see a therapist. Your doctor can give you a referral to someone who is qualified to help you.
Jodee Redmond LoveToKnow Editor
-- Contributed by: JC Redmond
This page has been accessed 11,307 times. This page was last modified 01:16, 9 October 2009.
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