Compulsive Lying: Seeking Help for a Troubled Family Member - Psychiatry

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I would like to ask about the issue of pathological lying in doctors?


Hello, doctor.
Let me first tell you about my family background.
My parents divorced when I was about five or six years old.
I have a younger sister who is one year younger and a younger brother who is three years younger.
Before my parents divorced, we experienced some traumatic events (such as my parents arguing, my mother threatening my father with a knife, my father attempting suicide with us due to business failures, and my father living with his mistress who was very unfriendly to us, even breaking dishes in front of us while pretending to be nice in front of my father).
After the divorce, my father lived with his mistress, and my mother remarried.
We three siblings lived with our grandparents, but since they were elderly, they did not provide much supervision.
My brother once stole from his elementary school after graduating (I remember it was something like a computer monitor), and when my father found out, he took my brother to school and beat him.
He also stole from a convenience store, but the store manager, seeing he was just an elementary school student, let him go without a record.
After entering high school, my brother said he didn't like studying, so he dropped out twice and didn't continue his education.
Later, with nothing to do and no money, he started stealing from my earnings from my part-time job.
I took him to apply for jobs, but he quit after a few days.
After a couple of attempts, my family couldn't tolerate his behavior anymore and asked my father to take him to work (my father is a plumber).
For about seven or eight years, I didn't live with him, but he would still come back and steal my money, even taking the leftover money after my mother passed away.
Every time I asked him if he took my money, he would look me in the eye with sincerity and deny it, and I could never catch him in the act.
But there was no one else at home, just him and me! I told my father about this, but he only blamed me for not keeping my money safe! At the end of 2019, my father was diagnosed with cancer and needed someone to take care of him.
So my brother, who had lost his job and support, had to take care of my father.
However, perhaps due to the exhaustion of caregiving, he often disappeared and wouldn't say where he went! After my father passed away, I thought he might start to get his life together and work hard.
My family helped him find a stable job, but after a little over a month, he started disappearing again.
Later, I discovered he had stolen my credit card and made unauthorized charges! But he never admitted it! Even when I found my credit card in his bag, he acted as if nothing had happened! After that, he began to have sporadic jobs, working about one day and then taking five days off.
Because I was afraid of him stealing money, I now carry my wallet with me everywhere! Even when I shower or sleep at home, I keep my wallet close! But sometimes I forget, and the next day I realize my money is missing! I found out he would sneak into my bag at midnight while I was sleeping! When I asked him if he took my money, he still looked at me with sincerity and said he didn't take it! Currently, I live with my husband and my brother.
A few months ago, my husband received a notification from the police stating that my brother was involved in an online fraud case, and we found out my brother had been impersonating my husband to scam others! We knew this because the police provided some evidence.
On the way to the police station, my husband and I kept asking my brother if he had impersonated my husband, and he kept insisting he didn't! Even when we got to the police station, he continued to deny it! He gave one reason, but it was full of holes! Later, the police presented evidence that it was indeed him! What I can't understand is that he clearly knew he was caught but still wouldn't admit it! He often lies habitually, and his lies are so convincing that I believed everything was true! I couldn't take it anymore and wanted to consult you because my husband is about to explode due to my brother not working.
Whenever he steals my money or food from the house, he disappears, only coming home to shower when I'm at work.
When I get home, he is nowhere to be found! After about one or two weeks of this, I couldn't take it anymore and changed the locks to keep him out! He ended up sleeping in the stairwell of our building; we live on the fourth floor, and he slept on the fifth-floor stairwell to avoid being discovered! I only found out when a neighbor noticed and informed the security guard! I have tried everything, both hard and soft! I have talked to him nicely, asking why he is ruining his life.
Is there any reason? He always just stares at me with wide eyes and says nothing! I don't know how to get him to open up and tell me where his money goes; it remains a mystery! Money disappears from his hands quickly! I once discovered he was gambling online! He had no money but still gambled! Before he even saw any money, he lost it all! The underworld even came looking for him! I don't know if he actually gambled or not because I have no idea what he is doing! He still doesn't have a job! He always tells me he has interviews, but since I installed surveillance cameras at home, my husband says he always sees my brother just staying at home and not going out! So he is lying to me again! He has been turned into a defendant due to the fraud case, and last month he received a notice to appear in court, while my husband did not receive one! A week after the court date, the court clerk called my husband to ask why he didn't show up, and my husband said he never received the notice, but the clerk said the notice was delivered and someone signed for it! This means that besides my husband and me, someone else received his court notice! I asked my brother if he received it, and he always says he didn't! I really don't know what to do about his habitual lying.
Doctor, is there any way to treat someone like this in a psychiatric setting? Is there any hope for him?

Nìmíng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/10

Dr. Wu Kunhong reply Psychiatry


Dear netizens, thank you for your hard work.
Dealing with so many family issues is truly challenging.
Human personality and behavior are influenced by a complex interplay of innate physiological factors and environmental factors.
This includes genetic inheritance, brain development, and other hereditary aspects.
Environmental factors encompass parenting styles and attitudes, as well as early peer experiences.
If you are willing to seek help from a psychiatrist, you can discuss your concerns with a healthcare team and consult with professionals such as psychiatrists, social workers, and clinical psychologists to arrange for further evaluation and provide subsequent management recommendations.
If the situation is severe and involves self-harm or harm to others, you can contact emergency services at 110 or 119 for assistance.
Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish you peace and well-being! Dr.
Wu Kun-Hong

Reply Date: 2023/02/10

More Info


It sounds like you are dealing with a very challenging situation involving your brother's compulsive lying and other concerning behaviors. Based on the background you've provided, it appears that your brother has a pattern of deceit that has not only affected his life but has also caused significant distress within your family.
Compulsive lying, also known as pathological lying, is a behavior where an individual lies frequently and often without a clear motive. This behavior can stem from various underlying issues, including low self-esteem, a desire for attention, or even deeper psychological problems such as personality disorders. In your brother's case, the history of family trauma, including parental divorce, exposure to domestic violence, and a lack of stable parental guidance, may have contributed to his current behavior.

Your brother's actions, such as stealing money, lying about his whereabouts, and engaging in fraudulent activities, suggest that he may be struggling with impulse control and possibly addiction issues, particularly if he is gambling. The fact that he has been involved in criminal activities, such as identity theft and fraud, indicates that he may not fully grasp the consequences of his actions or may feel detached from reality.

Given the complexity of his situation, it is crucial to approach this matter with care. Here are some steps you can consider:
1. Encourage Professional Help: It is essential for your brother to seek help from a mental health professional. A psychiatrist or psychologist can assess his behavior and determine if there are underlying mental health issues, such as a personality disorder or addiction, that need to be addressed. You can suggest that he sees a therapist who specializes in compulsive behaviors or addiction.

2. Set Boundaries: While it is important to support your brother, it is equally important to set clear boundaries to protect yourself and your family. This may involve limiting financial support or access to your home until he demonstrates a willingness to seek help and change his behavior.

3. Family Therapy: Consider family therapy as a way to address the dynamics within your family. A therapist can facilitate discussions about the impact of your brother's behavior on the family and help everyone express their feelings in a safe environment.

4. Educate Yourself and Your Family: Understanding compulsive lying and its potential roots can help you and your family approach the situation with empathy rather than anger or frustration. This knowledge can also guide your interactions with your brother.

5. Support Groups: Look for support groups for families dealing with similar issues. Connecting with others who understand your situation can provide emotional support and practical advice.

6. Be Patient: Change takes time, and your brother may not be ready to acknowledge his problems immediately. It is important to remain patient and supportive while also holding him accountable for his actions.

In conclusion, while your brother's compulsive lying and related behaviors are concerning, there is hope for improvement with the right support and intervention. Encouraging him to seek professional help and setting healthy boundaries for yourself and your family are crucial steps in addressing this complex issue. Remember that you cannot change him, but you can take steps to protect your well-being and encourage him to seek the help he needs.

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