He establishes pretty early on that he hates the idea of only telling the truth because you “have to,” or that the “truth” is inherently better than lies when people often tell lies as a means of softening harsh or inconvenient truths. If there’s anything we know about Ouma and why he lies, a lot of it has to do with his own personal ideas of “free will” and choice. It’s the inability to stop yourself from doing something no matter how badly you want to: in this case, lying. Compulsive lying, or any compulsion at all really, is something uncontrollable that a person has no say over whatsoever. I think it’s pretty safe to say Ouma isn’t a compulsive liar whatsoever. pathological lying is more of a psychological classification, and since I’m no expert on psychology, take all of this with a grain of salt! This is just my personal opinion on the matter. That’s a pretty interesting question that I can’t say I’ve given a lot of thought before! The definition of compulsive vs. 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