Pathological Lying (Mythomania): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Mythomania: Understanding Pathological Lying

Lying is intentionally and knowingly making false statements. It is often done to avoid the consequences of telling the truth. Despite being taught from childhood that lying is wrong, everyone is capable of lying. Research indicates that normal individuals lie at least 1-2 times a day.

People lie to protect their own interests and to maintain relationships with others. Researcher Bryant (2008), who extensively studied lies, categorized them into groups based on intent, consequence, benefit to the liar, truthfulness, and acceptability. According to Bryant's study, lies can be categorized as:

Types of Lies

Pure Lies:

• Malicious and deceptive
• Can have serious consequences
• Benefits the liar
• Contains no truth and is unacceptable
• Considered a negative type of lie due to its harm to the recipient, damage to mutual relationships, and erosion of trust

White Lies:

• Told without malice and with good intentions
• Generally told to spare someone's feelings or protect them from distress or negativity
• Outcome is harmless
• Has a protective quality for the recipient
• A mixture of truth and lie (equivocation)
• Considered acceptable

Gray Lies:

• Intent is uncertain, can be told with good or bad intentions
• Outcome is uncertain and can lead to different results
• Benefit derived from the lie is uncertain
• Level of truthfulness is unclear
• Outcome depends on interpretation and can be perceived as both good and bad

Characteristics of a Mythomaniac

Pathological lying, or the habit of lying, is termed as mythomania in psychiatry. Individuals with this disorder are called mythomaniacs. Mythomania is derived from the Greek word "muthos" (myth) and the Latin word "mania" (madness). It is also known as pseudologia fantastica in psychiatry. Mythomaniacs have not been thoroughly researched or understood.

• Mythomaniacs are unaware that they are lying. Their thinking style is referred to as "magical thinking."
• Most individuals feel shame and guilt when they lie, but this is not the case with mythomaniacs.
• They often tell incredibly elaborate and captivating fictional lies.
• They portray themselves as important individuals or heroes by lying.
• They believe their own lies and continuously invent new ones to support their old ones.
• There may not always be a purpose behind their lies, meaning they do not lie for personal gain.
• Sometimes they can be self-blaming and harmful.
• The prevalence in the general population is 1 in 1000. It affects both men and women equally.
• Mythomaniacs possess exceptional verbal abilities and may use lying as a means to escape from stressful situations.

Development of Mythomania

Mythomania does not have a separate diagnosis in psychiatric classifications. However, it can be a symptom of some disorders. These disorders include:

• Bipolar disorders
• Attention deficit syndrome
• Impulse control problems
• Substance addiction
• Borderline personality
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders

Observations of mythomaniacs have revealed that some have epilepsy or EEG abnormalities, a history of head trauma, and psychiatric patients within their families. Mythomania usually begins during adolescence, when personality development is at its fastest. Diagnosis generally occurs around the ages of 21-22. Low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence lie at the root of mythomania. Individuals try to fill these deficiencies by lying.

Symptoms of Pathological Lying (Mythomania)

• Constant need to lie, distorting or fabricating the truth
• Lies are often senseless, contradictory, or exaggerated
• Frequent resort to meaningless and unnecessary situations without personal gain
• Begins in childhood or adolescence and may persist into adulthood

Differential Diagnosis of Mythomania from Other Disorders

Mythomania can sometimes be mistaken for personality disorders. However, unlike personality disorders, mythomaniacs do not expect to benefit from lying. Personality disorders typically begin in childhood, while mythomania begins in adolescence.

Treatment of Mythomania

Treatment is most effective when the person undergoing treatment believes that help is necessary. Three types of methods can be used to minimize and correct the serious consequences of mythomania:

Cognitive Therapy:
The aim is to identify the origins of low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence in mythomaniacs. Individual or group therapy may be preferred.

Communication:
The patient must trust the therapist. Both the psychiatrist and close family members must show patience, compassion, and determination.

Medication Therapy:
Medication may be prescribed as part of the treatment process.

Who is Affected by Pathological Lying (Mythomania)?

Pathological lying, scientifically known as "mythomania," is a psychiatric disorder that can typically arise due to various factors. However, the exact reasons for this condition have not been fully determined. Nevertheless, pathological lying may be more common in individuals with specific risk factors and characteristics, such as:

• Psychiatric Disorders:
  Pathological lying may be observed alongside other psychiatric disorders, particularly histrionic, narcissistic, or antisocial personality disorders.
• Childhood and Adolescence:
  Often begins during childhood or adolescence, where individuals may lie to gain attention or acceptance.
• Family and Environmental Factors:
  Family environment and environmental factors play a significant role in personal development.
• Stress and Trauma:
  May be associated with stressful events or traumatic experiences, where individuals lie as a coping mechanism.

Forensic Aspect of Mythomania

It is necessary to determine whether a defendant who has been found to lie is a normal liar or a mythomaniac from a forensic perspective. It is crucial whether the individual has control over their behavior. Mythomaniacs who commit crimes such as theft, fraud, and plagiarism have been identified.

If you encounter individuals exhibiting the characteristics described above, encourage them to see a psychiatrist. If you notice these symptoms in someone you are with, do not leave them alone during therapy, be patient, and understanding.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have any health concerns or are experiencing symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or clinic, for proper diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

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