Note from the Editor:
This article was written for the SDC by psychologist and member @Jan A. Jan A. works part-time, taking on clients under the Medicare Mental Health Care Plans. She works with people of all ages, from children to seniors!

CONTENT WARNING: Please be aware that this article deals with a distressing matter. It may be upsetting to some readers. If you proceed, please do so with caution.


In this article, we will look at compulsive lying and pathological lying. While similar in that they both involve habitual lying, they have different behaviour patterns.

We will not look at harmless ‘untruths,’ such as answering a question like ‘How are you?’ with ‘I am fine’ when you are far from fine but do not want to go into it.

This article is about habitual lying for personal gain of some kind.

What is a compulsive liar?​

Compulsive liars tend to lie as a means of coping with their lives. Lying feels comfortable to them. They tell others what they think the others want to hear.

There may be early trauma in their background where lying had a safer outcome for them than telling the truth, and they have carried that behaviour into adulthood. They usually have low self-esteem. They lie to gain the admiration they desire but do not have. They lie to protect themselves against responsibility or to benefit financially. They lie to cover up some perceived personal failing.

Compulsive liars may not intend to hurt others, but their lies have the effect of causing harm around them.

When lying, they will exhibit signs such as failure to make eye contact and hesitations in the conversation. They are likely to apologise and explain their lies if confronted, but they will do it all again. They may be open to seeking professional help if their lies lead to serious consequences, such as job loss or relationship breakdown.

Compulsive lying can exist on its own or may be connected with a range of other mental health disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder. Psychotherapy addressing low self-esteem and possible early abuse can help the person overcome the compulsion to lie.

What is a pathological liar?​