Inside Shazmin’s Head – Ep 18: Liar, liar, pants on fire!

“EVERYBODY lies” is the nugget of wisdom we have gleaned from watching House MD over its extensive seasons. 

Lying, simply put, is stating a false statement, to deceive others intentionally, often for personal gain.

A white lie is a harmless or trivial lie, especially one told to avoid hurting someone's feelings – like to answer the age-old question: “Do I look fat in this?”

Even though we all occasionally do tell lies, pathological lying is lying without any clear motivation or benefit, and often compulsively.

So, who does this? What is the psychological makeup of someone who lies pathologically? Is this a kind of mental disorder?

What creates pathological lying? Is there a difference between compulsive lying and pathological lying?

Do they believe their own lies?

If you’re on the receiving end of this, or are in a relationship with a pathological liar – how do you even cope – because forming and maintaining a trusting relationship can be a MAJOR challenge. What should you do?

Is there treatment for this? Can they change?

What can you do if you’re recovering from being in a relationship with a pathological liar?

Dr Joel unpacks this and more. – The Vibes, October 25, 2022

Dr Joel Low is a Clinical Psychologist and Director at The Mind Psychological Services & Training, and an exco member of the MSCP. He specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and works with a wide range of clients to help them reach their goals. 

If you would like to reach us, with questions, comments or a problem you’d like us to discuss, send us an email at: [email protected]

Produced by Shazmin Shamsuddin and sound engineered by Ethan Phoon