We have all lied at some point, either to avoid conflict, to avoid causing trouble, or to avoid worry. However, lying occasionally is not the same as lying constantly. Then we would talk about mythomania.
What is mythomania?
Lying is more common than we think, but let's not forget that it always brings consequences (and not exactly positive ones).
The mythomaniaalso known as pathological lying disorder or Munchausen syndrome, is characterized by compulsive need to lie and exaggerate reality constantly and without apparent reason.
These lies are usually elaborate and sustained over time, and can be of a personal, professional or academic nature. Although the exact cause of this disorder is not known, it is believed that It may be related to emotional or self-esteem problems, or with an attempt to attract attention or obtain benefits.
Causes of compulsive lying
Although the exact causes of mythomania are not yet known for certain, it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Some possible causes of mythomania include:
- Underlying mental disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder.
- Childhood trauma or abuse.
- Lack of affection or attention during childhood.
- Excessive pressure or demands from parents or guardians during childhood.
Why does a mythomaniac lie?
People with mythomania may lie for different reasons. Some possible explanations are:
- Need for attention: People with mythomania may lie to get the attention of others and to feel important or admired.
- Desire to impress: People with mythomania may lie to impress others and gain their approval or admiration.
- Fear of rejection or loneliness: People with mythomania may lie to avoid rejection or loneliness, and to gain sympathy and support from others.
- Insecurity or low self-esteem:People with mythomania may lie to hide their insecurities or to compensate for low self-esteem, which can be treated in therapy with the help of a psychologist specializing in self-esteem.
- Difficulty differentiating reality from fantasy:Some people with mythomania may have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy, and may believe their own lies.
Pathological liars
Mythomania is a addiction to lying and a real problem for those who resort to it: the pathological liars. Lies trap you in a vicious circle from which there is no easy escape. Little by little you resort to lying more frequently, on any subject, without any sense and without any specific motivation.
Lying means hiding what you don't like and raising your self-esteemsince you present a more striking image of yourself. You like to lie more and more and it ends up being a compulsive behavior. It is more difficult for you to tell the truth than to lie. You have created another parallel reality that you consider better and, although it raises your self-esteem, what it does is drag the problem you carry even more. Once you enter the world of lies, you can no longer escape.
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A pathological liar fits the profile of an insecure person, with low self-esteem and fear of rejection. Therefore:
- He never tells the trutheven if lying does not help you achieve a goal or avoid a conflict. It is lying for the sake of lying.
- Invent a life and a profile about himself that does not exist. You may lie about your age, your profession, your family, your personal experiences…
- Try to call the attention of others, feeling superior and interesting and being liked by everyone.
- He believes his own lies.
- He has a hard time integrating socially. Frequently changes friends, jobs, etc.
In the end, when we talk about people with this emotional emptinesswe must take into account that they no longer just hide their life, but they invent the one they would like to have. It is a strategy to distance themselves from reality and gain the approval of others. Not only that, but mythomania can occur at different stages of people's lives:
Characteristics of mythomania in childhood and adolescence
In childhood and adolescence, mythomania may present some specific characteristics. For example, children and adolescents with this disorder may:
- Compulsively lying about facts or situations, even when there is no apparent benefit to doing so.
- Exaggerating or inventing stories or facts to attract attention or stand out among peers.
- Show great ease in lying in a coherent and convincing manner.
- Having difficulty maintaining interpersonal relationships, as their lies can alienate others.
- Experience problems in school performance, as they may lie about assignments or grades.
Factors contributing to mythomania in childhood and adolescence
There are several factors that can contribute to the appearance of mythomania in childhood and adolescence. Some of them are:
- Emotional or self-esteem problems: Children and adolescents who suffer from low self-esteem or have emotional problems may be more likely to lie to get attention or feel better about themselves.
- Influence of the environment: Children and adolescents can also be influenced by the behavior of their parents, siblings, or classmates, and may adopt lying as a way to get what they want or avoid negative consequences.
- Coexisting mental disorders: Mythomania may also be related to other mental disorders, such as schizophrenia or antisocial personality disorder.
What types of personality disorders exist?
There are different types of personality disorders, and Some of them have been more frequently linked to mythomaniaSome examples of these disorders are narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Before analyzing them in detail, it is key to seek professional help if you suspect that you have or know someone with any of the three personality disorders that we are going to analyze. A psychologist will help you and will be key to understanding your condition and finding an effective treatment.
Narcissistic disorder
He narcissistic personality disorder is a personality disorder characterized by a strong need for attention and approval, as well as excessive self-esteem and a lack of empathy for others. People with this disorder may have a strong need to impress others and may lie or exaggerate their achievements and abilities to do so.
Some of the most common characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder include:
- Constant need for admiration and recognition.
- Feeling of superiority and grandiosity.
- Excessive self-confidence.
- Lack of empathy and consideration for others.
- Difficulty recognizing the feelings and needs of others.
- Manipulative and exploitative behavior.
- Difficulty maintaining stable and long-lasting relationships.
Borderline personality disorder
Finally, borderline personality disorder is a personality disorder that It is characterized by emotional instability, impulsivity and difficulty maintaining stable and healthy relationships.
People with this disorder may have difficulty controlling their emotions and may experience sudden mood swings. They may also have a low tolerance for stress and a high need for affection and attention.
Some of the most common features of borderline personality disorder include:
- Sudden changes in mood.
- Difficulty controlling emotions and impulses.
- Instability in personal relationships.
- Difficulty tolerating loneliness.
- Low tolerance to stress.
- Impulsive or dangerous behavior.
- Suicidal or self-harming ideation.
Borderline personality disorder can affect different areas of a person's life, such as personal relationships, work, and academic activities. People with this disorder may have difficulty adapting to new situations and may have toxic relationships with others.
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histrionic disorder
He histrionic personality disorder is a personality disorder characterized by exaggerated and dramatic behavior and a strong need to be the center of attention. People with this disorder may have difficulty controlling their emotions and may be very affectionate or seductive with others.
Some of the characteristics Common histrionic personality disorder symptoms include:
- Excessive emotionality and expressiveness.
- Tendency to exaggerate or dramatize things.
- Need for constant attention and approval.
- Difficulty tolerating loneliness or rejection.
- Seductive or provocative behavior.
- Sudden changes in mood.
- Difficulty maintaining long-lasting and stable relationships.
Histrionic personality disorder can affect to different areas of a person's life, such as personal relationships, work and academic activitiesPeople with this disorder may have difficulty adjusting to new situations and may be emotionally dependent on others.
Treatment for histrionic personality disorder often includes cognitive-behavioral therapy or cognitive-emotional therapy, which may help the person control their exaggerated emotions and behaviors and learn to relate to others in healthier ways. In some cases, medications may also be recommended to control symptoms.
Consequences of lies
If you have a problem, the best thing you can do is face it, not run away from it. Compulsive lying has several consequences:
- The problem hides, but It is not solvedThe more you hide it, the more it will increase.
- Lying frequently will eventually become a addiction.
- Self-esteem seems to be taking refuge behind lies. In reality, does not increasebut only what you don't like is hidden.
- You will have trouble adjusting to the world around you: family problems, work problems,…