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This article relies largely or entirely upon a single source. Please help improve this article by introducing appropriate citations to additional sources. (November 2009) |
Pseudologia fantastica, mythomania, or pathological lying is one of several terms applied by psychiatrists to the behavior of habitual or compulsive lying.[1][2] It was first described in the medical literature in 1891 by Anton Delbrueck.[2] Although it is a controversial topic,[2] one definition of pathological lying is the following: "Pathological lying is falsification entirely disproportionate to any discernible end in view, may be extensive and very complicated, and may manifest over a period of years or even a lifetime."[1]
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Although little has been written about pathological lying, one study found a prevalence of almost 1% in 1000 repeat juvenile offenders. The average age of onset is 16 years, and its occurrence is equal in men and women.[3] Forty percent of cases reported central nervous system abnormality[4] (characterized by epilepsy, abnormal EEG findings, head trauma, or CNS infection).[citation needed]
The defining characteristics of pseudologia fantastica are that, first, the stories told are not entirely improbable and often have some element of truth. They are not a manifestation of delusion or some wider form of psychosis: upon confrontation, the teller can admit them to be untrue, even if unwillingly. Second, the fabricative tendency is long lasting; it is not provoked by the immediate situation or social pressure as much as it originates with the person's innate urge to act in accordance. Third, a definitely internal, not an external, motive for the behavior can be clinically discerned e.g. long lasting extortion or habitual spousal battery might cause a person to lie repeatedly, without the lying being a pathological symptom.[2] Fourth, the stories told tend towards presenting the person in question in a good light. For example, the person might be presented as being fantastically brave, knowing or being related to many famous people.
Pseudologia fantastica may also present as false memory syndrome, where the sufferer genuinely believes that fictitious events have taken place, regardless that these events are fantasies. The sufferer may believe that he has committed superhuman acts of altruism and love or has committed equally grandiose acts of diabolical evil, for which the sufferer must atone, or has already atoned for in his/her fantasies.
Yet another facet of the disorder presents where the sufferer has been repeatedly called upon to recite lists of alleged injustices against others. These events take place where a person is involuntarily confined and deprived of sleep.
Cults center around highly charismatic individuals who may suffer pseudologia fantastica and convince their followers that they have received visions or Divine revelation. Charles Manson of the Manson Family was able to control his followers by use of his near photographic memory, and his ability to recite his lies verbatim.
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