Download Article
Download Article
Pathological lying is an often misunderstood and complicated behavior. Telling a few lies every now and then doesn't make you a pathological liar; however, if you're unable to stop lying, use lies to manipulate others, or your lies are significantly affecting your life, you might be struggling with pathological lying. [1]
X
Research source
Learning to stop lying can be a tough road, but you're already well on your way through seeking help.
This article is based on an interview with our clinical psychologist and published author, Asa Don Brown. Check out the full interview here.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionWhat is the root cause of pathological lying?Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards.While the root cause of pathological lying isn't known, some people learn to lie pathologically as children. They do this to receive something, to achieve something, to avoid a consequence for a deed done wrong, or to place the blame upon another.
-
QuestionCan you recover from being a pathological liar?Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards.Absolutely—just don't expect it to happen overnight. Many pathological liars become hooked on lying at a very young age, as it helps them achieve a certain outcome or manifest their personal ambitions, goals, and desires. Still, pathological lying can be managed and eventually eliminated from an individual's life.
-
QuestionCan lying be a symptom of depression?Anderson BridgesCommunity AnswerIt could be. Some people with depression might lie and deny having depression, or they might lie because their emotions make them compulsive liars.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
- Remember that being a pathological liar can make people not believe anything you say, even if you tell the truth at some point, and that they cannot trust you. Remember, as the saying goes, "In the mouth of a liar, the truth is doubtful."Thanks
- If you feel the urge to lie, remember the fable of the shepherd boy who cried out many times that "the wolf is coming," (called "The Boy Who Cried Wolf") and especially its moral.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-nature-deception/202009/what-is-pathological-lying
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201309/why-we-lie-and-how-stop
- ↑ Jennifer Butler, MSW. Love & Empowerment Coach. Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.
- ↑ Jennifer Butler, MSW. Love & Empowerment Coach. Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.
- ↑ Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 3 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/truth-lies
- ↑ Jennifer Butler, MSW. Love & Empowerment Coach. Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201309/why-we-lie-and-how-stop
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201309/why-we-lie-and-how-stop
- ↑ Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 3 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2020/11/why-cant-i-stop-lying-all-the-time.html
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/liar-liar-pants-fire-am-i-pathological-liar
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/201708/the-many-ways-we-lie-ourselves
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-forgive-yourself-and-why-its-important
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/liar-liar-pants-fire-am-i-pathological-liar
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/caregivers/2014/09/6-subtle-characteristics-of-the-pathological-liar
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/caregivers/2014/09/6-subtle-characteristics-of-the-pathological-liar
- ↑ https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/pathological-lying-symptom-or-disease
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353928
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9762-borderline-personality-disorder-bpd
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 34,712 times.
Advertisement