Mythomania and pathological lying are two psychological disorders that have in common the fact that people who suffer from them compulsively invent or exaggerate stories or facts. However, although they may seem similar at first glance, these two disorders have some important differences.
In this article, we will explore what mythomania and pathological lying are, what their characteristics are and how they differ from each other, as well as what type of treatment these disorders usually require.
Definition of mythomania and pathological lying
Mythomania is a psychological disorder characterized by the tendency to tell exaggerated lies or invented compulsively.
People with mythomania often lie constantly and for no apparent reason, and may create complex and elaborate stories that seem believable.
Often, the lies of people with mythomania are intended to attract attention or gain some kind of benefit.
The pathological lieon the other hand, is a disorder characterized by the tendency to lie compulsively and without any apparent reason.
People with a tendency toward pathological lying can lie about anything from small details to complex, elaborate stories, and they can do so so convincingly that even they themselves may believe their lies.
Often, the lies of people with pathological lying are intended to avoid problems or negative consequences, or simply to get attention.
Characteristics of mythomania
Some of the most common characteristics of mythomania include:
- Compulsively telling exaggerated or invented lies: People with mythomania have the need to tell lies and may do so constantly.
- Create elaborate and credible stories: The lies of people with mythomania are often very elaborate and detailed, and may seem very credible at first glance.
- Lying in order to attract attention or obtain a benefit:People with mythomania will often lie in order to gain attention from others or some kind of benefit, such as praise, admiration, or even money.
- Show no remorse or regret for lies: People with mythomania often show no remorse or regret for their lies, even when they have caused harm or problems to other people.
- Not being aware that they are lying: Sometimes, people with mythomania may believe their own lies and not be aware that they are lying.
Characteristics of pathological lying
Some of the most common characteristics of pathological lying include:
- Lying compulsively and without apparent reason: People with pathological lying have the need to lie and may do so constantly, even without an apparent reason.
- Lying about anything from small details to complex stories:The lies of people with pathological lying can vary in size and complexity, and may include lies about anything from small details to complex, elaborate stories.
- Be very convincing and make even themselves believe in their lies:People with pathological lying can lie so convincingly that even they themselves may come to believe their lies.
- Lying in order to avoid problems or negative consequences, or simply to get attention:People with pathological lying will often lie in order to avoid problems or negative consequences, or simply to get the attention of others.
- Show remorse or regret for lies: Unlike people with mythomania, people with pathological lying often show remorse or regret for their lies, especially when these have caused harm or problems to other people.
Differences between mythomania and pathological lying
Although mythomania and pathological lying share some characteristics, they also have some important differences:
- Mythomania is characterized by compulsively telling exaggerated or invented lies, while pathological lying is characterized by compulsive lying for no apparent reason.
- The lies of people with mythomania are often aimed at gaining attention or gaining benefit, while the lies of people with pathological lying are often aimed at avoiding problems or negative consequences, or simply to gain attention.
- People with mythomania often show no remorse or regret for their lies, while people with pathological lying often do.
- People with mythomania may sometimes believe their own lies and not be aware that they are lying, while people with pathological lying are usually aware that they are lying.
Treatment of mythomania and pathological lying
Both disorders often require psychological treatment to address the underlying causes and help people control their urge to lie. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, or individual therapy. In some cases, it may also be necessary to treat any underlying mental disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, mythomania and pathological lying are two psychological disorders that have in common the tendency to lie compulsively.
However, they also have some important differences, such as the purpose of the lies and whether or not there is remorse or regret for them. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have one of these disorders, it is important to seek professional help to address the underlying causes and learn to control the urge to lie.