While nearly everyone tells a lie from time to time, dishonesty is a way of life for a compulsive liar, who tells tales for no apparent reason and will regularly lie to cover up another lie, according to Truth About Deception.com. Sometimes, compulsive lying is a sign of a deeper psychological disorder. Compulsive liars are forever stretching the truth and may feel strange and uncomfortable about speaking honestly.
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Considerations
A compulsive liar is generally defined as someone who lies out of habit. Lying is a normal way of answering questions, according to Truth About Deception.com. Compulsive lying often begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood, typically with no clear-cut reasons for lying compulsively.
Risk Factors
Some compulsive liars may have a low self-image and believe rewriting the truth will make them appear more important. People with compulsive behaviors such as problem drinkers and gamblers or those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more apt to lie compulsively.
Symptoms
Compulsive liars will fib about things both large and small. The size of the lie is insignificant. All that matters is hiding the truth. There doesn't have to be a particular reason for lying; it's simply a way of life and second nature.
Detection
You may be able to spot a compulsive liar through body language. He may be crossing his arms or frequently blinking. Compulsive liars are also famous for finding someone to back up their lies.
Complications
Compulsive lying may be indicative of a larger personality disorder, which makes the problem more challenging to overcome. For example, one of the symptoms of antisocial personality is persistent lying or deceit, according to the Mayo Clinic. A person who is antisocial has no concern about what is right or wrong. Compulsive lying can hurt other people and harm relationships.
Solution
Professional therapy may be able to help a compulsive liar learn to tell the truth, according to Truth About Deception.com. Like addictive behaviors in general, a compulsive liar must recognize he has a problem before he can begin the road to recovery.
