A mental disorder when a person constantly lies. Symptoms and causes of the development of mythomania. Pathological liar. Symptoms

Pathological deceit is what psychologists call the condition of a person who often lies. A pathological liar differs from an ordinary liar in that he is confident in the veracity of what he says, and at the same time gets used to the role.

What is pathological deceit?

In the medical and psychological literature, the term “pathological deceit” was described at the beginning of the twentieth century. Ingoda, such a mental deviation is called “mythomania” (the term was coined by the French psychologist Ernest Dupre) or “Munchausen syndrome.”

For the average person, a lie is a deliberately stated statement that is not true. But, no matter how strange it may sound, a pathological liar lies for no reason, just like that. A lie is usually easy to expose, but this does not bother the liar, because he is firmly confident in the veracity of the information said.

Pathological deceit should be considered as part of a basic psychological personality disorder, rather than as a separate disease. It should be noted that this disorder is one of the most controversial subjects in the modern world of psychology.

Reasons for deviation.

Most scientists agree that this type of personality arises as a result of a psychiatric illness or extremely low self-esteem. Often a pathological liar tries to make some kind of impression on others, but gets too used to the role.

Often, such a syndrome occurs in people who received psychological trauma in childhood. Here are just a few possible reasons for the formation of mythomania during growing up: problems communicating with the opposite sex, lack of attention from parents, constant criticism from other people, unrequited love, etc.

Quite often, such a disorder occurs already at a conscious age as a result of traumatic brain injury.

Is pathological lying a congenital disease?

Another very controversial, but no less interesting hypothesis was put forward by American scientists - they don’t become pathological liars, they are born like them. As a result of research, it has been proven that the brain of a person with Munchausen syndrome is very different from the brain of an ordinary person.

In the cerebral cortex of pathological liars, the volume of gray matter (neurons) is reduced by 14% and the volume of white matter (nerve fibers) is increased by an average of 22%. These results also provide evidence that the state of the frontal brain plays a role in this and many other psychological personality characteristics.

People who, by virtue of their profession, deal with truthful and false statements, psychologists, investigators, lawyers and even experienced teachers, over time, recognize deception automatically, without analyzing. If you want to master the same skills so as not to become a victim of fraud or simply because you are tired of trusting those who constantly deceive you, you will have to train. First of all, you should learn to recognize liars by the direction of their gaze.

Detecting lies based on gaze direction is based on the theory of Richard Bandler and John Grinder, first outlined by them in the book “From Frogs to Princes: Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).” According to it, people reflexively look in different directions when they remember and when they invent. You need to distinguish between kinesthetic, auditory and visual memories or imagined images. When you ask a question regarding a visual image, for example, “What color is the wallpaper in your room?” Human involuntarily brings up the “picture” in his memory and looks to the right and up. If you ask “What is the facial expression of a crimson dog?”, the interlocutor will have to imagine a “portrait” of such an unusual animal, and he will unconsciously direct his gaze up and to the left. Therefore, if you unexpectedly ask a liar, offering to sell you a non-existent house in the village, what colors his gates are painted in, while coming up with an answer, he will willy-nilly look up and to the left. The partner who told you the “fable” about the night meeting will direct his eyes there if you stun him with the question “What tie was your neighbor at the negotiating table wearing?” Evoking auditory memories, people look to the right. So your interlocutor’s gaze will slide in this direction for a fraction of a moment if you ask him to remember some phrase from the film. When Human makes up something he supposedly heard, he looks to the left. Ask the baby what his mother told him when she allowed him to take another piece of candy from the cupboard and he, “remembering” the non-existent conversation, will look there. If it concerns any sensations or smells, for example, people look down. “Do you remember the smell of the sea breeze?” - you ask, and your interlocutor, at least for a moment, will lower his gaze to the left. A liar who is asked what kind of eau de toilette his friend smelled of, with whom he stayed all night playing chess, will look to the right. Of course, if Human left-handed, he will look in the mirror. Remembering visual images up and to the left, auditory - to the right, kinesthetic - down and to the right. Keep in mind that liars can also train, rehearse their stories for a long time, and therefore they can only be confused by unexpected questions.

Every person can claim that they have encountered a lie at least once. There are many answers to the question of why people tell lies. Some people tend to cheat to gain material wealth. Others lie when the best option is to withhold reliable information from family or friends. Sometimes a person distorts any facts of reality in order to avoid responsibility for However, there are situations when lying becomes the norm of life and... significantly complicates it.

The phenomenon of pathological deception

Sometimes the habit of confusing others with false information takes over a person so much that he himself believes that he is telling the truth. Such individuals do not even realize how strongly dependent they are. Pathological lies become a real obstacle to a full life in society. People around them are not inclined to take lovers of writing seriously. these individuals are narrowed down and they turn into outcasts. In addition, such people sacredly believe in the truth of their words. Therefore, when others accuse a liar of deception, he may be sincerely offended and begin to make excuses.

How to recognize a lover of lies? The next section of the article talks about the obvious signs that are characteristic of abnormal behavior of this kind.

Manifestations of a pathological tendency to deceive

The obsessive urge to write doesn’t just appear. Its origins must be sought in the past, in childhood grievances or shocks. Sometimes a constant desire to lie is characteristic of people who have mental and personal difficulties.

Symptoms of pathological lying are characteristic and pronounced. To identify them, you need to listen well to a person’s speech and analyze the details. A person prone to deception may retell one story many times. However, in his narratives the writer contradicts himself. There are constant inconsistencies in the details of the stories. A liar simply does not notice them. Pathological liars tend to tell lies about such significant things as illness or the death of relatives and friends. Such a feature becomes an unpleasant trait for others, who at first take the words of the writer as truth. Of course, they sometimes have to experience anxiety. Anyone who is prone to abnormal lies believes that he is not doing anything wrong. If he is convicted of a crime, the person tries to justify himself (the documents were lost, and friends who saw everything with their own eyes cannot get in touch).

Who is characterized by a pathological desire to lie?

This unpleasant trait is observed in both children and adults. In children's behavior, deception is an attempt to escape reality or a way to keep some misdeeds or events secret. Writing at this age can cause different reactions in others - from laughter to reproach.

However, pathological lying in adults becomes a real problem. Individuals who fail to achieve important goals or implement any plans tend to distort information. After all, this is how you can convince others that they are significant, successful, and influential. But when the deception is finally revealed, the liar faces condemnation.

Is this phenomenon considered a mental disorder?

The tendency to tell lies can be both a personal characteristic and a sign of illness. Pathological lying in psychiatry is indicated as a manifestation of Patients with a similar diagnosis are haunted by visions and delusional states. As a result, they present fictitious information as truth.

Sometimes a person behaves too emotionally. Such individuals show feelings very violently: they cry loudly, laugh. These are patients with hysterical neurosis. They are also characterized by the desire to constantly lie in order to attract the attention of loved ones and acquaintances. Pathological lying is combined with the diagnosis of hypochondria. Such individuals regularly visit doctors, trying to convince them that they are sick, and they themselves believe it. However, tests indicate no health problems. Others evaluate the complaints of an anxious hypochondriac as deception.

The desire to constantly lie is characteristic of individuals who cannot adapt to society. They often commit illegal actions: they steal, they cheat.

Psychological characteristics of those who tell lies all the time

This trait is often found in people who have low self-esteem. They make up various stories to feel important in the eyes of others.

Pathological lying is a characteristic of individuals who have difficulty communicating. They cannot get rid of shyness and fearfulness. Such people find it difficult to make decisions. And writing is a great opportunity to gain authority in society.

Unfortunately, liars do not realize the trap they are setting themselves up for. The character trait quickly takes over the person, and he becomes a hostage to deception. This leads to unpleasant consequences.

Difficulties that arise in the lives of writers

Society usually does not approve of a person who often lies. His workmates don't trust him. Friends refuse to communicate with this person. Such a person is removed from participation in solving responsible tasks. This phenomenon significantly complicates his authority in the team and minimizes the opportunity to make a career.

Acquaintances and relatives gradually distance themselves from the writer, because they do not want to become victims of another deception.

People of the opposite sex do not seek to create a family with him, because they constantly experience mistrust.

How to behave correctly with a person who lies all the time?

If someone is faced with a pathological lie, they should under no circumstances humiliate or blame the writer. However, it would also be a mistake to indulge. What is the right thing to do in such a case? First of all, you need to stop taking a person’s words for. After listening to the story of a liar, you should, if possible, make sure of the veracity of the story.

If the deception is obvious, it is recommended to calmly talk with the writer about his problem. It is necessary to express the idea that a person’s emotional state is cause for concern. Sometimes such people stubbornly refuse to recognize the presence of this unpleasant feature and do not want to work on themselves. In this case, the most reasonable option would be to stop contacting the deceiver. The question that arises in many who are faced with pathological lies: “How to treat such a person?” cannot be given a definite answer. However, consulting a psychotherapist will clearly benefit someone who lies all the time.

How to identify a disorder?

A conversation with a specialist allows you to diagnose and understand what the problem is. However, many deceivers are in no hurry to go to the doctor. They feel shame and embarrassment. And only the threat of family and friends to stop communicating gives a person an incentive to decide on this serious step. After all, no one wants to be lonely and rejected. A psychologist helps to identify the origins of pathological lying, the reasons that led to the emergence of this personality trait.

Having found out why and for what purposes people lie, you can explain to them how to find other ways to implement their plans and successfully communicate with others. There are no medications that cure deception. Only working on yourself is an effective method of eliminating the problem.

conclusions

For a person who constantly lies, life becomes incredibly difficult. His surroundings also face certain difficulties: family members, acquaintances, colleagues. The origins of this problem lie in childhood or later in life. People who suffer from self-doubt, are timid and fearful, tend to write regularly. This is how they try to become more authoritative, achieve respect, recognition, sympathy. Those who can be called demonstrative personalities also lie constantly. They expect increased attention to their person. Acquaintances or relatives who tell lies are usually treated reprehensibly. A person may believe that lying helps them cope with difficulties or avoid responsibility. However, this quality only causes mistrust and quarrels. As a result, the deceiver becomes lonely, deprived of prospects for career and personal development, and romantic relationships. Many people with this problem refuse to admit it. However, those who do this are able to objectively evaluate themselves and correct the situation. Pathological lying is not treated with medication, except in cases where this trait is combined with mental illness. Conversations with a psychotherapy specialist help a person cope with difficulties and realize himself in society.

Good morning. Alexey, I think you are not indifferent to this pathological liar. Unfortunately, pathological lying is a disease. And its name is “Munchausen syndrome”. Alexey, so that “Munchausen syndrome” becomes a little clearer to you, I will tell you a little about it. I'll start with the causes of the disease.

First reason. Traumatic childhood events. For example: constant humiliation, criticism from adults, lack of love from parents, unrequited first love, rejection by boys. All this contributed to the girl’s low self-esteem as she grew up.

The second reason. Consequences of traumatic brain injury.

Third reason. Imbalance of gray and white matter of brain cells. Scientists (University of Southern California) have determined that there is a region in the brain responsible for learning moral behavior and for feeling a sense of remorse. And also, white matter increases the ability of pathological liars to lie and weakens their moral restraint. So, in pathological liars, white matter is present in excess. That is why morality and a model of correct behavior are not obligatory for them, and from childhood.

Alexey, you want to help this girl. A laudable wish. Experts have different opinions. But, as is well known, a person himself must want to improve. Alexey, now, knowing the third cause of this disease, answer the main question yourself: is it possible for a girl to change (even if she wants to) if the structure of her brain does not allow her to believe that lying is bad?

Take some advice if you see fit.

1. Remember - the girl is sick. Neither moral teachings nor moral instructions will help her. “Like peas hitting a wall.” Remember, the girl, due to his illness, is not tormented by remorse and does not think about how you feel, she doesn’t care.

2. Don't expect the girl to improve. Alas.

3. Stop giving her chances to improve, giving her ultimatums.

4. Do not give in to the temptation to confront the girl with a “fact”, because this threatens to worsen her mental state.

5. Remember that a girl will never get used to the real world. It is much easier for her to live in her imaginary world.

So such a sad story.

Wisdom to you. Lydia.

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The statement “lying is bad” is irrelevant for a pathological liar. Yes, it turns out there are people who constantly tell lies and at the same time feel the need to behave that way. But pathological deceit, or pseudology (from the Greek pseudos lie and iogos word, doctrine) should not be confused with deceit for profit, flattery or other selfish motives. Addiction to one's own lies is a pathological tendency to invent and tell others about fictitious events, successes and adventures from one's own life in order to attract attention and elevate oneself above others. For example, a person can talk about getting a high position, buying an expensive car, flying to Cuba, etc. Pathological lies about oneself in a negative light (self-talk) are much less common.

The main difference between pathological deceit and ordinary deceit is that in the first case, a person gradually gets used to the role and begins to believe in his own lies. Although not all psychologists agree with this opinion, they all unanimously classify pseudology as a special mental disorder. Living next to a pathological liar or being forced to regularly communicate with him becomes a real nightmare for normal, honest people. But can this behavior be changed? Let's try to figure everything out in order.

Signs of pathological deceit

Dependence on incessant lies is usually considered not as a separate behavioral pathology, but as part of a general psychological personality disorder. A pathological liar does not realize the harm he can cause to himself and those around him by constantly telling lies about himself. Moreover, in addition to using lies, he does many things unconsciously, and some signs give him away:

• the message about the same event is constantly changing, acquiring new, often contradictory details;
• inconsistency in the presentation of events and facts, due to impulsiveness of character;
• exaggeration not only of significant facts from life, but also lies over trifles;
• absolute confidence in one’s rightness;
• protection, aggressiveness and resourcefulness in case his lies are revealed; the ability to shift the blame onto the one who brought it to light;
• non-recognition of one’s own lies, or recognition in exceptional situations when deception significantly threatens personal well-being;
• adapting to a person from whom some benefit is needed and not having one’s own opinion;
• “blasphemous” lies: about the death of a loved one, a serious illness of a child, a car accident, etc.

The reaction of an ordinary person to the fantasies of a liar is always expressed by resentment and resentment. But a pathological liar does not at all seek to offend anyone: he just wants to be talked about and discussed about his life. Often he himself believes in his own lies, but those that are positive in nature (career success, winning, etc.)

Causes of pathological deceit

Pathological deceit in an adult has its roots in childhood. Of course, many at a tender age love to fantasize, but this is good until it goes beyond all boundaries and begins to create difficulties with mutual understanding with parents and friends.

Children who are prone to lying do this to attract attention. This is often the behavior of children who, despite having full financial support, lack parental affection and care. Or, on the contrary, the child was constantly praised, even not on the matter, which developed high self-esteem and a desire to “build” those around him, to be constantly in the center of attention.

In adulthood, pathological lies are often caused by masking one’s own shortcomings. Thus, a man who tells everyone about his dizzying successes in his career is, in fact, a lazy man and a parasite, and a woman who does not enjoy the attention of the opposite sex claims that she is showered with compliments and gifts. Usually, complexes and fears are hidden behind the facade of lies in this case, lies become a kind of psychological defense.

Diagnosis and treatment of pathological deceit

In general, it is not possible to correct and cure a pathological liar, because strictly speaking, pseudology is not a mental disorder, but a negative personality trait. And the problem here is much deeper than it might seem.

There is no special diagnosis of pathological deceit in our country. Identification of this behavioral feature is possible at an appointment with a psychologist, and only if the person himself admits how he behaves.

In the USA, there is a special method for studying the brain, which can reveal a tendency to uncontrollable lies. Thus, in pathological liars, the volume of neurons (gray matter) in the prefrontal cortex of the brain is reduced and the volume of nerve fibers (white matter) is increased compared to the norm. Thus, the structure of the prefrontal cortex influences a person's susceptibility to telling lies.

There is no cure for addiction to one’s own lies, and even more so, there are no drugs that “force” a person to be honest. And psychologists have different opinions about whether a person can improve. On the one hand, this is possible if a person himself realizes the harmfulness of his behavior and wants to change, but on the other hand, it is impossible, because the structure of the brain cannot be changed. Sessions of psychotherapeutic assistance, in which a person learns to find the reasons for his lies and understand himself, can provide only a short-term effect. And then the liar will take up his old ways again.

But what about those who have to constantly or periodically come into contact with a pathological liar? A few tips should help with communication:

• Don't try to raise a liar. It is useless to influence him with arguments and moralizing.
• Stop believing all his stories and question every phrase.
• Distance yourself emotionally from the liar and do not expect positive changes.
• Do not try to rip off his mask - this will only worsen his psychological state.
• Stop communicating with this person and cut off all the threads connecting you, if possible.
• Remember that a pathological liar will never accept reality as it is and will continue to live in illusions and lies.