Most people tell lies occasionally to avoid hurting someone’s feelings or to get out of uncomfortable social situations. You can also support them, if they decide to get treatment. If a loved one is frequently lying to you, you can learn to spot their lies. Regardless of the reason for a lie, it’s unpleasant to find out that someone has lied to you. Finally, some people simply lie pathologically but have no other conditions. Other conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, may also lead to frequent lies, but the lies themselves are not considered pathological. Pathological lying is a symptom of various personality disorders, including antisocial, narcissistic, and histrionic personality disorders. Pathological lying is still being studied, but its cause appears to be a number of conditions. If a person’s habit of lying negatively affects their life, or if they feel unable to stop lying, then they may have a condition known as pathological lying. However, some people lie more frequently than others and may lie without cause. Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family.

The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person for the long term. Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in need of mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. However, in order to rule out a deeper reason for your teen’s habitual dishonesty, it may be advantageous consult with a mental health professional. It is important to note that not all teens that go through a period of compulsively lying necessarily have an underlying mental health condition. Compulsive lying could be a symptom of: sociopathy, narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, low self-esteem and/ or bipolar disorder. Teens that habitually lie for no reason may be struggling with an underlying mental health condition. Mythomania is the term used to describe pathological lying. While most typically developing teenagers are likely to be sporadically untruthful, dishonestly should not be the norm. It is at this point that lying becomes a tactic used to manipulate the world around the teen to enable him or her to experience the least amount of friction from others. Some teenagers reinforce lying behaviors to the point that they become unaware that they are even telling lies. However, teenager typically begin to tell lies that fall into one of the following categories: Most often, the lies teenagers tell do not appear to serve a larger purpose in the eyes of the parent. It can be incredibly challenging for parents to grasp an understanding of why a teen may want to be persistently dishonest. Please be aware that even in situations where your teen exhibits one or more of the above traits, it is possible that he or she may be telling the truth. ease of arms and legs, stepping behind a piece of furniture to create a physical barrier, etc.)

Physical distance, barriers and non-verbal communication cues of dishonesty (e.g.

Stuttering not present in normal speech.

Long lag time between question and response.

Changing the topic or offering irrelevant information when put on the spot.

Psychology Today provides the following examples: There are several signs of which to be aware that could indicate your teen may be lying.

Constant lying can develop into a bad habit that could cause harm to the young person and/ or others. Chronic teen compulsive lying is more than just occasionally telling a white lie. It is important to establish a distinction between fibs and lies. Teens are known to tell fibs, little white lies, for various reasons. Young people face extraordinary challenges during their teenage years, all while enduring surging hormones, physiological changes and a newfound need for autonomy. Teenagers are bound to test boundaries, push limits, challenge authority, and disregard guidance at some point during their adolescence. Teens and Compulsive Lying: What You Need to Know Narcissistic, Avoidant, Dependent Personality Disorders.

Compulsive liar vs pathological liar