Types of Lying Disorders

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a long-standing pattern of disregard for other's rights, often crossing the line and violating those rights. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a long-standing pattern of disregard for other's rights, often crossing the line and violating those rights.

Personality disorders such as avoidant personality disorder are typically diagnosed by a trained mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Family physicians and general practitioners are generally not trained or well-equipped to make this type of psychological diagnosis.

Borderline personality disorder is one of several mental health disorders that begins in adolescence and persists into adulthood. It is one of the more common personality disorders, particularly amongst women, and it affects the way a person interacts with others.

Antisocial/psychopath personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder are known to be manipulative, irresponsible, and have a history of legal difficulties. They show little respect for the rights of others and feel no remorse for their actions. They also leave a trail of unfulfilled promises and broken hearts.

Compulsive Lying Disorder is frequently confused with pathological lying, but it’s important to recognize the difference between the two. Compulsive liars engage in dishonesty because it is their automatic response to questions and situations, while pathological liars do so in order to manipulate other people and achieve their goals with complete disregard for the feelings of others.

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed personality disorders. It occurs equally in men and women, usually becoming apparent in young adulthood or later as important adult relationships form.

Histrionic personality disorder is more prevalent in females than males. It occurs in about 1.8 percent in the general population. Like most personality disorders, histrionic personality disorder typically will decrease in intensity with age, with many people experiencing few of the most extreme symptoms by the time they are in the 40s or 50s.

While lying to yourself is generally perceived as harmful, some experts argue that there are certain kinds of self-deception—believing you can achieve a difficult goal, for instance, even if evidence exists to the contrary—that can have a positive effect on your wellbeing and lead to improved problem-solving capabilities.

The narcissistic personality disorder trait of compulsive and pathological lying means that the narcissist will not be responsible or accountable for questionable actions. This narcissistic personality disorder trait can be used as projection, which means falsely accusing others of the narcissist’s crimes.

Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is one of a group of conditions called "Cluster A" personality disorders which involve odd or eccentric ways of thinking. People with PPD also suffer from paranoia, an unrelenting mistrust and suspicion of others, even when there is no reason to be suspicious.

Bold-faced is now considered acceptable as well, since bold has the same meaning as bare originally did. Also, it can technically refer to a falsehood that appears in print in a bold typeface. The easiest way out of this maze of idioms, obviously, is to simply tell the truth at all times.

However, if the lying behavior is allowed to go on too long, then it becomes nearly irreparable and compulsive lying disorder develops. Story Fabrication Compulsive liars feel the constant need to convey to others that they are superior and deserving of more attention then the other children in their cohort.

While compulsive lying disorder is actually not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), except as a symptom of factitious disorder, many psychiatrists and psychologists consider it a distinct mental disorder.

However, allowing white lies to pile up can pose a severe threat when dishonesty becomes your habitual method of dealing with people. If the lies extend far enough, they can evolve into compulsive lying disorder. In the sections to follow, we will examine this particular disorder, as well as its symptoms and treatment options.