Plus, since psychopaths usually feel little remorse for the lies they tell, it can be very hard to detect whether a psychopath is lying or not. This is what makes it possible for psychopaths to pass lying detection tests such as polygraphs.
Lying can be a symptom of some mental health conditions according to a 2021 review, including borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may lie to mask compulsions or stop friends and family from worrying about their behaviors.
Even though this doesn't apply to everyone, “If you try to confront them with evidence and proof of the facts, they may be outraged, insulted, and attack you verbally. They may even badmouth you to others and avoid you.”
The narcissistic liar
This type of person never admits to making a mistake, even when the mistake could be a growth opportunity for your PR team. He or she is often a "people person" seeking attention when things go right, bragging or exaggerating accomplishments, while being quick to place blame and criticize others.
Compulsive Lying vs Pathological Lying
The key difference between compulsive and pathological lying lies in the motivation behind the behavior. People who compulsively lie often do so out of fear or anxiety, while people who pathologically lie may do so to manipulate or deceive others.
For example, when confronted about something, they may reply with a murky statement such as "Would I do such a thing?" or even "I wouldn't do such a thing," rather than a straightforward "I didn't do it." Another indication of deception is using unnecessary words in a statement that make its meaning less clear.
The liar lacks the ability to consider what you might feel in response to their lie (which is empathy).
Whatever the reason, over time, pathological lying can become addictive. A habit. It feels more comfortable and more normal than telling the truth, to the point where many compulsive liars end up lying to themselves as well. Unfortunately, without therapy, compulsive lying can last a lifetime.
The ICD-10 disorder Haltlose personality disorder is strongly tied to pathological lying. It has been shown through lie detector tests that PF (pseudologia fantastica) patients exhibit arousal, stress, and guilt from their deception.
"Pathological liars are usually very insecure individuals raised by very authoritative and strict parents who were not excepting of that individual as they were, therefore the [person] had to create a persona that was lovable and acceptable by their parents to avoid punishment, embarrassment, and vulnerability," says ...
Although pathological liars may be able to love someone, it is often difficult for them to maintain an honest and healthy relationship. This can result in toxic relationships that cause stress and hurt to their partners.
Their tone is condescending and patronizing. Psychopaths often try to make you unhinged in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Throughout the entire argument, you'll notice that they keep a calm and cool demeanor. It's almost as if they're mocking you—gauging your reactions to see how much further they can push.
Pathological liars may simply not foresee the risk of negative consequences of their deception. Alternatively, they may just feel certain that they'll get away with their lies, so they take the risk of lying often.
"When a liar becomes hostile or defensive, he is attempting to turn the tables on you," says Glass. The liar will get hostile because he is angry that you've discovered his lies, which may result in a lot of pointing.
Tightened jaw and forehead
Liars also tend to tense up when they're not being truthful, and this can include tightening the jaw and forehead. Both are connected to the "mental effort and stress" associated with telling a lie, according to Wenner.
People who lie pathologically often tell lies about things that don't matter, for no apparent reason. They may do it unconsciously and may not even realize they're lying in the moment, although they can often tell afterward.
Understanding what causes the lying is the only way to change a pathological liar's behavior. Treatment, which can include psychotherapy, medication, or both, will depend on whether or not the pathological lying is a symptom of an underlying psychiatric condition.
Someone who lies a lot may be called a “pathological liar.” Dishonesty isn't a good habit, but it doesn't always fit the definition of pathological lying. Pathological liars are frequently untruthful for no good reason. They harm themselves with their behavior, but keep doing it despite any consequences.
Words that describe a pathological liar are deceptive, manipulative and selfish. Pathological liars actually believe their own lies, but may change the story from telling to telling. Others realize the lie, but the liar often does not and has no remorse.
In addition to deflecting blame, they will devalue you and make you wish you had never confronted them. Devaluing is a huge part of the narcissistic relationship. When it comes to devaluing you, catching them in a lie will be no different than dealing with any other conflict.