Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 485704

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compulsive liars..

Posted by mike13 on April 17, 2005, at 23:12:48

Im curious if anyone knows anything about this, is this an actual diagnosable condition, I know someone who lies constantly and it seems like he actually believes his own lies.. i've tried hard to obtain irrefutable proof to dispell his lies but I can't.. , he lies on a constant basis and there pretty big lies , just saying he's accomplished ridiculous feats, saying he's a 4 time illinois state champion when a gust of wind could blow him over..just lie after lie.... half our conversations revolve around talking about his lies (i just act like their true just to humor him) it's just really disturbing.. he has to have a craving for attention or something..or wish the lies were actually true so he just acts like they are

 

Re: compulsive liars..

Posted by DumbFox on April 18, 2005, at 7:36:03

In reply to compulsive liars.., posted by mike13 on April 17, 2005, at 23:12:48

I seem to remember reading something a while back that lying is often a symptom of ADHD and Bipolar Disorder, though I think I've read too that it can indicate Conduct Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder.

I think that there is a difference between compulsive lying and pathological lying. Compulsive lying is lying out of habit. Whereas, pathological lying is an intentional form of deceit in order to get what a person wants. I think compulsive lying is born out of extreme insecurity. Compulsive liars lie because they think that without imbelishing their lives they are not interesting enough, won't be loved, etc...

Of course, I could be completely wrong. I'm sure someone else on the board knows more.

I'm sorry to hear that you have a friend who does this. I guess I wouldn't be inclined to humor him. It might help to sit him down and tell him that he's a great guy and you like him for who he is, not who he wishes he was.

 

Re: compulsive liars..

Posted by Maxime on April 18, 2005, at 10:18:13

In reply to Re: compulsive liars.., posted by DumbFox on April 18, 2005, at 7:36:03

It falls under some sort of personality disorder.

Maxime

> I seem to remember reading something a while back that lying is often a symptom of ADHD and Bipolar Disorder, though I think I've read too that it can indicate Conduct Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder.
>
> I think that there is a difference between compulsive lying and pathological lying. Compulsive lying is lying out of habit. Whereas, pathological lying is an intentional form of deceit in order to get what a person wants. I think compulsive lying is born out of extreme insecurity. Compulsive liars lie because they think that without imbelishing their lives they are not interesting enough, won't be loved, etc...
>
> Of course, I could be completely wrong. I'm sure someone else on the board knows more.
>
> I'm sorry to hear that you have a friend who does this. I guess I wouldn't be inclined to humor him. It might help to sit him down and tell him that he's a great guy and you like him for who he is, not who he wishes he was.

 

Re: compulsive liars.. » mike13

Posted by ed_uk on April 18, 2005, at 10:43:29

In reply to compulsive liars.., posted by mike13 on April 17, 2005, at 23:12:48

Hi!

>Im curious if anyone knows anything about this, is this an actual diagnosable condition, I know someone who lies constantly and it seems like he actually believes his own lies.

Me too! It's strange isn't it?

Ed.

 

Re: compulsive liars..

Posted by Spriggy on April 18, 2005, at 11:56:20

In reply to Re: compulsive liars.. » mike13, posted by ed_uk on April 18, 2005, at 10:43:29

I have a sister who is ADHD and is a compulsive liar.

I never really connected the two.

 

Re: compulsive liars..

Posted by JayDee on April 18, 2005, at 12:52:56

In reply to compulsive liars.., posted by mike13 on April 17, 2005, at 23:12:48

I am ADHD, I have problems with self-image, but I HATE lying.

 

Re: compulsive liars..

Posted by JayDee on April 18, 2005, at 12:58:30

In reply to Re: compulsive liars.., posted by JayDee on April 18, 2005, at 12:52:56

I have a friend that seems to both pathologically and compulsivly lie, and he seems to have alot of ADHD traits, but he does not have the problems I seem to have, (socialability, and problems with verbal fluency.) which "adhd meds" seem to cure.

 

Re: Compulsive Liars

Posted by mattw84 on April 18, 2005, at 14:18:46

In reply to Re: compulsive liars.., posted by JayDee on April 18, 2005, at 12:58:30

To all,

Lying is usually a defense mechanism used to repress, project, displace, sublimate, or flat out deny insufficiences in one's life.

Most often compulsive lying can be associated with "Cluster B" personality types -- more specifically Antisocial Personality Disorder. (DSM-IV 301.7) Alternately it could be a mild conduct disorder likely onsetting at adolescense. (DSM-IV 312.82)

Either way, everyone lies at some point, it is a natural psychological function; whether be-it for the purpose of defense or ranging to narcissism.

I do believe studies have shown that the most socially accepted people are those who are the most convincing liars... Maybe we should all start lying more often in which case. =D

Regards,

Matt

 

Re: compulsive liars..

Posted by ixus on April 18, 2005, at 16:13:03

In reply to compulsive liars.., posted by mike13 on April 17, 2005, at 23:12:48

> Im curious if anyone knows anything about this, is this an actual diagnosable condition, I know someone who lies constantly and it seems like he actually believes his own lies.. i've tried hard to obtain irrefutable proof to dispell his lies but I can't.. , he lies on a constant basis and there pretty big lies , just saying he's accomplished ridiculous feats, saying he's a 4 time illinois state champion when a gust of wind could blow him over..just lie after lie.... half our conversations revolve around talking about his lies (i just act like their true just to humor him) it's just really disturbing.. he has to have a craving for attention or something..or wish the lies were actually true so he just acts like they are
>

Hi,
It is all about us, there may be some exception(s) but if there are people who understand that, they should be here for sure.
/ixus

 

Re: Compulsive Liars

Posted by banga on April 18, 2005, at 16:13:52

In reply to Re: Compulsive Liars, posted by mattw84 on April 18, 2005, at 14:18:46

> Lying is usually a defense mechanism used to repress, project, displace, sublimate, or flat out deny insufficiences in one's life.

>
I was just thinking the same thing--that really the best place to look is into psychoanalytic or psychodynamic theories to understand this.

Having said that, lies that convey grandiosity and self-importance are part of the definition of the DSM IV 'narcissistic personality disorder'.
In basis, they need to have 5 of the following traits/behaviors:

-* grandiose sense of self-importance and exxaggeration of accomplishments and talents
-* preoccupied with fantasies of brilliant successs, ideal love, etc.
-* believe in their being very special, set apart from others, and seek to only associate with other superior individuals
-* require unending admiration
-* believe in their entitlement, that is, expect to be treated with favoritism and have their own way
-* might exploit others--use them to achieve their own ends.
-* lack empathy
-* envy is a big theme for them--eithier thinking others envy them, or, they are preoccupioed with envy of others.
-* can be arrogant and haughty.

Antisocial personality disordered people also are great liars, but they do so deviously, to acheve their needs from others...and they do it knowingly. They will impersonate a doctor to get access to a hospital to steal, or get money. A means to a different end.

A narcissistic person would typically want the role of a doctor in and of itself, so they can shine and prove to themselves and others how superior and brilliant they are...

 

Re: Compulsive Liars--ps

Posted by banga on April 18, 2005, at 16:20:07

In reply to Re: Compulsive Liars, posted by banga on April 18, 2005, at 16:13:52

P.S.
You can see it as the DSM IV giving you a definition of *what* the disorder is called; psychodynamic theory will give you possible theories as to *why* the person acts the way they do....

 

Re: Compulsive Liars--ps » banga

Posted by Phillipa on April 18, 2005, at 17:47:21

In reply to Re: Compulsive Liars--ps, posted by banga on April 18, 2005, at 16:20:07

Yup, That's my ex-husband to a T. He was a general manager of a car dealership. Now he sells mortgages, and real estate. He also felt he was entitled to sleep with other women while we were married. Fondly, Phillipa

 

Re: compulsive liars..

Posted by reefer on April 22, 2005, at 15:06:23

In reply to compulsive liars.., posted by mike13 on April 17, 2005, at 23:12:48

I have met about 2 or maybe even 3 persons in my life that are (compulsive?) liars. I think all of them have actually been aware of their lying and have lied to make people like them. BUT, this only works for a short while, people start to see through their lies pretty fast and then they become hated instead. But sometimes i have felt that they actually believe in their own lies. As for myself sure i sometimes pull a white lie like telling my mother i've been to the gym(while i actually watched a movie in the sofa) and stuff like that. But i never lie about serious stuff and never to a person to "gain" from it.


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