Lies and medicine: reflections on the etiology, pathology, and diagnosis of chronic lying

Abstract

The classification, etiology, ordinary pathology, and various medical and legal aspects of the phenomenon of lying are discussed. Five types of liars are identified: tellers of "white lies," pathological liars, professional liars ("confidence" men), spies, and patients with a psychosis or an organic brain syndrome. The characteristics of these types are analyzed, and methods of coping with them are outlined.