Pseudologia fantastica

Pseudologia fantastica, mythomania, or pathological lying is one of several terms applied by psychiatrists to the behavior of habitual or compulsive lying.^[1][2] It was first described in the medical literature in 1891 by Anton Delbrueck.^[2] Although it is a controversial topic,^[2] one definition of pathological lying is the following: "Pathological lying is falsification entirely disproportionate to any discernible end in view, may be extensive and very complicated, and may manifest over a period of years or even a lifetime."^[1]

Epidemiology

Although little has been written about pathological lying, one study found a prevalence of almost 1 in 1000 repeat juvenile offenders. The average age of onset is 16 years, and its occurrence was found by the study to be equal in men and women.^[3] Forty percent of cases reported central nervous system abnormality^[3] (characterized by epilepsy, abnormal EEG findings, head trauma, or CNS infection).^{[citation needed]}

Characteristics

The defining characteristics of pseudologia fantastica are that, first, the stories told are not entirely improbable and often have some element of truth. They are not a manifestation of delusion or some broader type of psychosis: upon confrontation, the teller can admit them to be untrue, even if unwillingly. Second, the fabricative tendency is long lasting; it is not provoked by the immediate situation or social pressure as much as it is an innate trait of the personality.

Third, a definitely internal, not an external, motive for the behavior can be discerned clinically: e.g. long lasting extortion or habitual spousal battery might cause a person to lie repeatedly, without the lying being a pathological symptom.^[2] Fourth, the stories told tend toward presenting the liar favorably. For example, the person might be presented as being fantastically brave, knowing or being related to many famous people.

Pseudologia fantastica may also present as false memory syndrome, where the sufferer genuinely believes that fictitious events have taken place, regardless that these events are fantasies. The sufferer may believe that he or she has committed superhuman acts of altruism and love or has committed equally grandiose acts of diabolical evil, for which the sufferer must atone, or has already atoned for in his/her fantasies.

Pathological liars

Lying is the act of concealing the truth ^[4]. Most people do so out of fear.^[5] Pathological lying is considered a mental illness, because it takes over rational judgement, and progresses into the fantasy world and back.^[6]

Excessive lying is a common symptom of several mental illnesses. For instance, people who suffer from antisocial personality disorder, use lying to benefit from others. Some individuals with Borderline personality disorder, lie for attention by claiming they’ve been treated poorly.^[7] Pathological lying, on the other hand, can be described as an addiction to lying. It is when an individual consistently lies for no personal gain. The lies are commonly transparent and often seem rather pointless.^[8]

There are many consequences for being a pathological liar. Due to lack of trust, most of their relationships and friendships fail. And, if it continues to progress, their lying could get them into trouble with the law.^[9]

Psychotherapy appears to be one of the only methods to treat a person suffering from pathological lying. There has been no research done about pharmaceutical medication, to potentially help decrease patients lying.^[10] Some research has been done, that suggests some people may have a “predisposition to lying”.^[11]

Pathological lying is a complex phenomenon; differing from any other mental illness. It has many life changing consequences for those having to live with the illness. At this point, however, there is not enough research in the area of pathological lying, to guarantee a cure.^[12]

See also

• Confabulation
• Ganser's syndrome
• Factitious disorder
• Malingering
• Baron von Münchhausen
• Munchausen syndrome
• Brainwashing

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Dike CC, Baranoski M, Griffith EE (2005). "Pathological lying revisited". The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law 33 (3): 342–9. PMID 16186198. http://www.jaapl.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=16186198. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d} Dike, Charles C. (June 1, 2008). Pathological Lying: Symptom or Disease?. 25. http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/display/article/10168/1162950. 
3. ^ ^{a b} King BH, Ford CV (January 1988). "Pseudologia fantastica". Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 77 (1): 1–6. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.1988.tb05068.x. PMID 3279719. 
4. ^ Lying. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved September 26, 2011, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lying
5. ^ Rowe, D. (2010). Why we lie: The Source of Our Disasters. New York: HarperCollins.
6. ^ Dike, C., Baranoski, M., & Griffith, E. (2005). Pathological lying revisited. The Journal Of The American Academy Of Psychiatry And The Law, 33(3), 342-349. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
7. ^ Dike, C., Baranoski, M., & Griffith, E. (2005). Pathological lying revisited. The Journal Of The American Academy Of Psychiatry And The Law, 33(3), 342-349. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
8. ^ Healy, M., & Healy, W. (2004). Pathological lying, Accusation And Swindling. Winnetka, Illinois: Kessinger Publishing.
9. ^ Dike, C. (2008). Pathological lying: symptom or disease? Lying with no apparent motive or benefit. Psychiatric Times, 25(7), 67-73. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
10. ^ Dike, C. (2008). Pathological lying: symptom or disease? Lying with no apparent motive or benefit. Psychiatric Times, 25(7), 67-73. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
11. ^ Yang, Y., Raine, A., Narr, K., Lencz, T., LaCasse, L. Colleti, P., Toga, A. (2007, February). Localisation of increased prefrontal white matter in pathological liars. British Journal of Psychiatry, 190, 174-175. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2376803/pdf/nihms46904.pdf
12. ^ Dike, C. (2008). Pathological lying: symptom or disease? Lying with no apparent motive or benefit. Psychiatric Times, 25(7), 67-73. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Further reading

• Hardie TJ, Reed A (July 1998). "Pseudologia fantastica, factitious disorder and impostership: a deception syndrome". Medicine, Science, and the Law 38 (3): 198–201. PMID 9717367. 
• Newmark N, Adityanjee, Kay J (1999). "Pseudologia fantastica and factitious disorder: review of the literature and a case report". Comprehensive Psychiatry 40 (2): 89–95. doi:10.1016/S0010-440X(99)90111-6. PMID 10080254. 

External links

• PubMed - pseudologia fantastica - related articles
• Pathological Lying: Symptom or Disease?
• pathological liar