Compulsive Liar

·         Compulsive lying disorder is characterized by frequent and chronic lying, without any feelings of remorse or guilt. In many cases, the stories constructed by a compulsive liar will be very detailed and complicated. They will be completely irrelevant to any current occurrences or any potential outcomes. Compulsive lying is very different from telling occasional fibs or white lies. An individual who is suffering from compulsive lying disorder will create elaborate lies with no particular or desired result. They lie for the sake of lying, as opposed to self preservation, the protection of a loved one, an increase in social status, or any of the other numerous reasons that individuals are sometimes dishonest. A compulsive liar will often be extremely subtle, and others may not realize that they are being lied to. It is usually a close friend or a family member that recognizes the symptoms of compulsive lying. Compulsive lying is similar to substance abuse, as it becomes an addiction. To a compulsive liar, lying will quickly become habit, making dishonesty a routine behavior to him/her. Lying will be easy for him/her, and he/she will not experience any regret regarding his/her behavior.

·         In addition to the act of compulsive lying, there are also numerous different warning signs and symptoms associated with this condition. In most cases, a compulsive liar will suffer from low self esteem, causing them to construct an "improved" persona through the use of lies. These individuals will use fabrications in order to make themselves feel like more interesting people. Compulsive lying is a condition that is frequently the result of other present disorders. For example, individuals who are suffering from bipolar disorder and ADHD are more likely to exhibit impulsive behavior. Impulsive behavior is commonly associated with compulsive lying, as individual's who are displaying impulsive behavior are able to lie easily. People who suffer from addictions, including gambling addictions or substance abuse problems, are much more likely to take part in compulsive lying. These people have addictive personalities, and as previously stated, lying becomes an addiction. A compulsive liar will not be able to handle reality, even when he/she is confronted with evidence contradicting his/her stories.

·         It is possible for a compulsive liar to obtain treatment for his/condition. Intensive therapy is necessary in order for an individual to overcome compulsive lying disorder. It is very difficult for an individual to overcome the addiction of a compulsive lying disorder which he/she maintains for the attention achieved by lying. If an individual wishes to combat his/her condition and stop his/her persistent compulsive lying, he/she must dedicate a great deal of time and energy to this struggle. In most cases, it is essential to address and improve the low self esteem problem, which is often at the root of the condition. A compulsive liar must become comfortable with his/her self, in order to negate the desire to fabricate a more interesting life. Many times, an individual will be unable to admit that he/she is a compulsive liar, and as this is the first step to recovery, treatment can not be successful until this is achieved.