Understanding a pathological liar is what we are going to try and help you to do from this article. A pathological liar is one who uncontrollably lies for no reason, not even for any personal gain. Even the sufferer will go as far as lying even if it means putting one in danger, because of the effect it can have for the sufferer some people consider the condition to be a disease. It isn't considered as a mental disorder the reason why the condition can not be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). It is actually regarded as a symptom of another psychological disorder such as borderline.
The symptoms are not so complex and are quite unclear. As everyone is individual everyone differs in what they lie about and how they do it. Some relate the lies to their own life while others will literally live a lie. Another difference is telling if one is lying. In some the signs are obvious while others are so good at it may take a while before anyone realizes there is a problem. Look at the following signs to see if you can tell if someone is lying.
• The person has a personality disorder, is bipolar or has another psychiatric disorder.
• The person has an addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling.
• The person's life sounds too good to be true.
• The person often takes center stage at events.
• His or her stories are unbelievable.
• The stories change constantly.
• You discover proof that something the person said was false.
• Friends or family members of the person tell you that he/she lies.
Treatments
Treatments are limited for this sufferer. Usually it is known that the pathological liar will have an underlying psychiatric disorder or addiction. This is where the treatment would normally begin from. Treating the disorder or addiction first. Following stabilization, the lying is hoped to decrease if not stop all together. Combination of medication and psychotherapy is most effective, medication depends on the disorder. The process of changing ones thoughts to change behavior also known to one as cognitive behavior is one of the most effective forms of therapy. This would apply for disorders, addictions and symptoms including pathological lying.
In order for the treatment to be successful the sufferer must want to help one’s self, and realize the optimum of the problem. The sufferer must actively participate and follow through the treatment plan to the end! One obvious problem is though with this condition is that treatment plans can be long and difficult due to the sufferer uncontrollably insisting on lying. Experienced therapists notice the signs and make the sufferer realize what they are doing and how is has affected their life, writes lovetoknow.com.
Seek professional help straight away if you think you are a sufferer, your local doctor will refer you immediately to a psychiatrist or psychologist for evaluation. Also you can join support groups, to find more out about these groups contact your mental health center which will gladly help. If you know some that you think are sufferers, never push them to take treatment or even realize they have a problem, they will resist and become defensive. Simply offer your support by voicing your own concern. Trying to help the person yourself can be very difficult and therefore you will need to make the decision if it is worth your time and energy, especially if the pathological liar is strong willed and doesn't realize he/she has a problem and consistently resists help.
