How do you handlea pathological liar and is there a cure?

Answer 1

To me, the word "cure" implies an illness that can be treated, and so we could call it "cured." I don't know what the shrinks would say, but in my experience, this is primarily a character issue. People who lie even when there's no reason to, when there is nothing to protect or gain, are just flat deficient in character. They lie because they are liars, and choose to be. The psychologists desk reference, or whatever they currently call the list of actual mental disorders, keeps growing. Eventually the sum total of human behavior will be a form of mental illness at this rate. Chronic liars, in my experience, are also manipulators, so I guess there is a root reason for their lying. Whatever the cause of it is, and whatever the shrinks might say about it, in my experience this behavior is usually a lifetime thing.

AnswerCompulsive liars do have a problem and it usually stems from low self esteem. They feel they are not up to par with their peers so often lie or embellish on events in their lives to make themselves look more important. I agree with the other poster on much of what they said and this is certainly something for the psychology books.

I believe if the person knows they are a compulsive liar (many seldom can admit this to themselves) and they work with a good psychologist there is a possibility of learning not to lie. We all tell "little white lies" at different times in our lives, but most of us don't lie to hurt others. If the compulsive liar does not seek treatment or doesn't want it, then it's best to move on because you'll only get hurt. Trust is a large issue in relationships whether it's loyalty to family, friends or relationships with a partner.

Marcy

sometimes compulsive liars do have low self esteem proublems but that is not always the case. sometimes compulsive liars lie because of a tramatic event that has occured in their past such as childhood abuse. if a person does realise that they are a compulsive liar it is good to fin help as soon as possibe because they will have a better chance of overcomming the disease. when someone is a compulsive liar they do NOT lie by choice. it can be caused by a defect when the child is developing in the mothers womb. they can develop up to 20% to much white brain matter witch can cause some mental illnesses such as compulsive lieing. but don't confuse compalsive lieing with pathological lieing. they are verry different and treated in several different ways. basicly, a pathological liar or compalsive liar doesent lie by choice, its not something they can control. although on rare occations it has been proven to form out of habit that starts at a very young often because the child was not taught the consiquences of lieing or a parent displaied theese type of behaviors.

Answer 2

It depends on the person, as some people who suffer from mythomania (compulsive/pathological liars) are the way they are because a mental or physical truama. If they aren't truly unable to not lie, and it's actual mythomania, they can be treated like a normal person with a mental issue, like bipolorism, depression, or anxiety. I would assume you aren't talking about yourself, though, am I right?

Answer 3

Pathological lying is difficult to treat because the person usually does not care to change. One good way to handle them is to confront them with the truth in a calm and non-argumentative manner. Simply state the actual truth. You should stay away from "he said/she said" kind of statements, because those are opinions instead of truth. If the liar says he was in bed at 11pm, you can say "I saw you in the kitchen at 11pm drinking milk out of the carton."

Answer 4

No cure, but treatment is possible. It would take major therapy, and possibly medications.

Answer 5

Seek psychological or psychiatric counseling.

It involves significant therapy which wouldn't be properly explained here.