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Lying and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Compulsive lying may be part of an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). While some people engage in compulsive actions such as repeated hand-washing, in some cases, the compulsion is to lie.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD) is a well known anxiety disorder that results in people having the need to repeat a task over and over again until it becomes a ritual.

Obsessions are things a person cannot stop thinking about, ie., thoughts that dominate the mind. This could be fear of a contagious disease, doing some kind of harm or a loved one.

Compulsions are actions that a person actually performs repeatedly, in an attempt to make the obsession go away. Examples include locking and unlocking doors a certain number of times before leaving the house, washing hands many times a day,

Signs and symptons of OCD often consist of repeatedly washing and cleaning, the desire to ensure everything is in certain order, hoarding possesions and saving things such as old newspapers and old bills, fear of doing someone harm and repeatedly checking locks or appliances.

It is beleived that OCD is caused by an imbalance of Serotonin in the brain. When the Serotonin levels become out of balance, messages received by your brain get mixed up or confused. This can make a person with OCD act out their worrying thoughts.

Another type of Obsessive-Compulsive disorder is body dysmorphia. A person with body dysmorphia becomes obsessed with one particular part of their body and believes there is something wrong with it. Those who suffer from this type of OCD try repeatedly to fix the body part they are obessed with.

If you think OCD may be the cause of compulsive lying it is best to consult with a doctor right away. There are specialised treatments available and your doctor will refer you to a specialist in that area.

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Jeanie Chestnutt

Sunday 27th of January 2019

My husbands granddaughters are both compulsive liers as is their mother. They have destroyed the relationship between her family members as well as mine, particularly my daughter. Her lies have been so destructive. My husband has Alzheimers, he wandered off for the first time a couple of weeks ago. This occurred at home. Our caregivers tell me that it is common, even in the best Nursing Homes. The oldest Gdaughter is a social worker. She reported me to APS. I asked out caregivers to be present, as I knew that the G-daughter would be lying on the complaint. Both my husband and I were interviewed. As she went down the list of complaints, "Family has hired caregivers and (his wife) has fired them". Not at all true. I contacted with one agency of my choosing and have had the same caregivers for the 2 1/2 years The family has not paid a penny towards his care. Out of the 2 boys living close by, plus the g-sons & g-daughters have not visited my husband in the past 2 1/2 years! The oldest son is dying from Lung Cancer - as lousy as he feels he manages to come see his Dad. AND he calls to check on him. The son in Florida didn't even call his Dad on his birthday or Christmas (both in December) The g-daughter stated "(His wife) leaves (husband) unattended." Again a lie. I am with him 24/7.I don't drive and of course he doesn't either. "Gun found in crevice of bed. Gun was loaded." This happened over 2 years ago while we were on vacation. My husband had it as protection (we live in the woods) and had a Carry Permit. He always slept with it under his pillow. She had called me to ask if he had a gun. I told her where it was and gave her permission to take it. Her last complaint: "(wife) is isolating (spouse) from his family." Duh. WE are the ones isolated. Family doesn't bother to come to our home. Have any of you had similar encounters?

Abbey

Monday 23rd of April 2018

I believe this is extremely prevelant for those suffering from OCD and an eating disorder. Both are so rooted in misconception and decite.

R@ñî@

Sunday 14th of February 2016

It will be ok

Zoe

Thursday 27th of March 2014

I've been one since I was a child now that I think of it. And I've fallen in love with someone and I lied about myself over an over. I sent him an email telling him about my problem and I'm afraid he'll hate me. I don't want to lie but I just don't feel good enough to be with him. Is the feeling of inferiority and not being good enough a symptom?

Alex

Wednesday 3rd of December 2014

The feeling of inferiority and not being good enough are textbook symptoms for anxiety and clinical depression. That being said, OCD is an anxiety disorder and all three are very closely intertwined.

Billi Caine

Friday 12th of April 2013

After thoroughly researching Compulsive Lying, it is my conclusion that it should be renamed "Lying Addiction". I wrote the following article that helps explain exactly what lying addiction is...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Lying-Is-An-Addiction,-Not-A-Moral-Issue&id=7465210

I also wrote the following article to help explain why lying addicts lie - none of which has to do with OCD. The 2 conditions appear to be totally different just as drug addiction as an addiction in its own right has nothing to do with OCD.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Lying-Addicts-Lie&id=7490866

Warmly, Billi caine