Drew Curtis and Christian L. Hart discuss pathological lying as a mental health disorder, prevalence in professions like politics and sales, recognizing and protecting oneself from lies, gender and demographic variations in lying patterns, onset of pathological lying in late childhood/adolescence, challenges of diagnosis and treatment, and their research on causes and motivations.
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Quick takeaways
Pathological lying should be recognized as a mental health disorder to provide better understanding, treatment, and insurance coverage for individuals who struggle with excessive lying.
Pathological liars often tell various types of lies but are more focused on seeking attention and bringing it upon themselves.
Deep dives
Difference between occasional liars and pathological liars
While occasional liars tell lies every now and then, pathological liars engage in a much higher frequency of lying, which impairs their functioning, causes distress, and poses risks to themselves and others. Pathological liars often tell various types of lies, but they tend to be more focused on seeking attention and bringing it upon themselves.
Pathological lying as a potential mental health disorder
Pathological lying is currently not recognized as a mental health disorder in the diagnostic and statistical manual, but psychologists Drew Curtis and Christian Hart advocate for its inclusion. They argue that it has a well-documented history in clinical psychiatry and psychology, with researchers and clinicians recognizing its existence. Recognizing pathological lying would allow for better understanding, treatment, and insurance coverage for individuals who struggle with excessive lying.
Prevalence and demographic differences in pathological lying
The exact prevalence of pathological lying is difficult to determine due to limited research, but estimates range from 5% to 13% based on studies. However, more accurate data can be collected once pathological lying is officially recognized and diagnosed. Research shows that there are no significant gender differences in the frequency of lying, but men and women may lie about different things. Factors like age, personality traits (such as low agreeableness and high neuroticism), and low self-esteem have been associated with a higher propensity for lying.
Characteristics of pathological liars and potential treatments
Pathological liars are often aware of their lies and may experience relief in the moment, but later feel remorse and guilt. They may exhibit dishonesty in various aspects of life, but some may have specific niche areas where lying is more prevalent. While there is still limited research on specific treatments for pathological lying, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is believed to be helpful. CBT can focus on increasing self-awareness of lying patterns, exploring the motivations behind lying, and reinforcing honesty behaviors. Group therapy can also be effective in helping individuals confront their lying behavior.
Almost everyone lies occasionally, but for a small percentage of people, lying isn't something that they do every once in a while -- it's a way of life. Drew Curtis, PhD, of Angelo State University, and Christian L. Hart, PhD, of Texas Woman’s University, authors of a new book on pathological lying, talk about what drives “big liars” to lie, why they believe pathological lying should be classified as a mental health disorder, whether liars really are more prevalent in some professions, such as politics and sales, and how you can recognize lies and protect yourself from being duped.