Compulsive Lying Disorder

The problem of compulsive lying disorder has really come under the scanner over the past few years. Is it a disorder by itself or is it a symptom of other underlying personality disorders? Can there be a compulsive lying disorder in children? All of these questions need to be answered. So here's an article on compulsive liar disorder.

The Compulsive Liar Syndrome

Whether compulsive or not, there aren't too many people who can honestly say that they have never lied in their lives. Why do people lie? The most common reason behind lying is to get away from a pressure situation instead of facing up to it. There are times when the most honest man wants to avoid facing the music for his wrong-doing and hence lies. One may even lie to make someone feel better. 'Does this dress make me look fat?' The immediate answer which men are programmed to give is 'no', because we don't want to make the other person feel bad.

But for some people, the reasons for lying are beyond just a fear of repercussions or to make someone feel better. Some people lie because they need to, because they experience a thrill, because they feel a sense of achievement and because a perfectly delivered lie which fools everyone, however trivial, gives them a high. An obsessive compulsive lair refuses or is unable to tell the truth even when confronted with hard facts. For him lying is not only a way to get out of trouble, it is a way of life. It is a habit and part of his psychology. In case of an obsessive compulsive lying disorder, a person unconsciously lies without knowing about himself, because lying has become an irreversible part of his life. Read on for signs of compulsive lying.

Often a compulsive liar is confused with a pathological liar. Most people believe that both mean the same thing, but they couldn't be more wrong. A pathological liar is one who lies in order to create a favorable image of himself in whichever situation. And a pathological liar also genuinely believes that he is telling the truth. The compulsive liar tests have shown that they usually know that they are lying but are unable to do anything about it. Read on for symptoms of a pathological liar.

Compulsive lying disorder in children is a real scare for parents who are worried that the little fibs their children tell today would make them compulsive liars tomorrow. It is true that sometimes the problem of compulsive lying may start from childhood. Excessive fear of parents, consequences and also a manic desire for something may drive the kids to lie. Sometimes kids also suffer from low self esteem or are conscious about some shortcomings that they may have. Hence to project a better image of themselves, they lie. And we all know that children are more prone to get hooked on to bad habits, and lying too often may drive kids to a compulsive lying syndrome.

It is widely suggested that the obsessive compulsive lying disorder is not a mental illness in itself, but compulsive liar symptoms may be a precursor or suggestive of other psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and sometimes narcissistic personality disorder. This may be because the people suffering from these problems may feel the compulsive need to lie, perhaps due to low self esteem or skewed self-perceptions.

Treatment for Compulsive Lying Disorder

As is the case with most compulsive disorders, it is essential that the compulsive liar himself initiates the compulsive lying disorder treatment because a compulsive liar will never admit this fault. It is only when a compulsive liar knows his problem and realizes that it is creating trouble for him, will he go for counseling. Counseling never works for a person who is in denial and it will not work for a compulsive liar either. Hence it is essential for the person to first admit his fault, so that he can get the compulsive liar treatment.

Counseling and psychotherapy are the best treatments for compulsive lying disorder. A good psychiatrist can also help get rid of any other visible symptoms of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder before a full blown problem arises.

For compulsive lying disorder in children, it is essential to identify it at an early stage. Most often, it occurs due to excessive strictness of a parent. Hence it is essential not to be too punishing on children. Parents need to keep an eye on their kids and keep talking to them to see if there is something bothering them. If there is, they should either try to motivate the child and make him feel better about himself or see a child psychologist who might offer good advice.

So this was all about compulsive liar definition and the compulsive lying disorder. Let me end this article by saying that it is very hard to deal with or have a relationship with such a person. A relationship is based on trust and it is impossible to trust a liar. So it is quite likely that a compulsive liar will end up unloved and lonely. Perhaps this fact will encourage the compulsive liars to actively come up with their problems and get them sorted.