Confabulation
Confabulation describes falsifications of memory occurring in clear consciousness in association with organically derived amnesia. The patient attempts to cover exposed memory gaps with the confabulated materials. In pathological lying, there is no organically derived amnesia. In addition, the pattern of memory impairment in Confabulation is characteristic, mainly affecting recent memory, in the presence of intact immediate memory and attention and concentration. Confabulation occurs in Substance-Induced Persisting Amnestic Disorder (Wernicke-Korsakoff’s syndrome), Anton’s syndrome (cortical blindness), and anosognosia.
Ganser’s Syndrome (I believe this disorder, or one like it, was mentioned at some point in relation to Nan)
The lie in Ganser’s syndrome is limited to approximate answers, rather than the elaborate fantasies in pathological lying. In addition, Ganser’s syndrome is associated with other features that do not characterize pathological lying: clouding of consciousness with subsequent amnesia regarding the episode, prominent hallucinations, and sensory changes of a hysterical kind.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Symptoms of this disorder listed in the DSM-IVTR include deceitfulness and repeated lying for personal profit or pleasure. Although it is debatable whether individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder lie repeatedly and consistently for internal satisfaction alone, given their predominant picture of lying for personal profit, there is evidence that they do. The pathological egocentricity characteristic of this condition may, however, be a key to development of pathological lying in these individuals. Although pathological lying may theoretically occur in Antisocial Personality Disorder, pathological liars do not often have disordered antisocial personalities.
Histrionic and Narcissistic Personality Disorders
Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterized by dramatic and attention-seeking behavior. These individuals frequently lie to attract attention and in severe cases, the lies may be so frequent as to resemble
pseudologia fantastica [Seems to be an older diagnosis, mentioned in the 1900s papers. def: Pathological lying, usually for psychological reasons rather than for personal gain. The condition is considered to be a type of factitious disorder]. Their superficial and dramatic character and constant attention-seeking behavior often point to a diagnosis of Histrionic Personality Disorder. Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder may tell ego-boosting tales to obtain constant approval from others. In this condition, lies are mainly told for the reason of self-aggrandizement, which is often obvious to the audience.
Delusions
These are false beliefs that are strongly held despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary and that are generally not shared by others in the individual’s cultural context. Unlike the delusional person, when strongly presented with clear evidence contrary to the lies told, the pathological liar may acknowledge, at least in part, the falsehood of his or her stories or more often, change stories. Although controversial, it is worth noting that some have suggested that pathological liars may believe their lies to such an extent that the beliefs appear delusional.
