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Review
. 1993 Mar-Apr;15(2):465-73; discussion 432.

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

D C Renshaw  1
Affiliations
  • PMID: 8519052
Review

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

D C Renshaw. Clin Ther. 1993 Mar-Apr.

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.

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