Last Updated on February 18, 2023 by Mike Robinson
What is Mythomania?
Mythomania is a psychological disorder in which the person lies compulsively to the point that they believe their own lies. The term “compulsive liar” is often used to describe individuals with this disorder.
You may even start looking among acquaintances for someone who fits this definition now that you better understand what we’re talking about. Here is a list of signs that perfectly sum up this group of people.
Symptoms of Mythomania
When we talk about mythomania or mythomaniacs, we mean people who incorporate the ability to lie into their daily attitudes and behaviors. So, the main things in these people’s lives that lead them to lie are:
Episodes of high anxiety
Mythomaniacs are people who are unhappy with their own lives. Because of this, they have anxiety attacks that push them to make up lies that change their environment and life in the eyes of others.
Low self-esteem
They create an unrealistic portrait of themselves because they cannot accept who they are. They frequently verbally illustrate rich and fascinating memories, ideas, and experiences.
Stress
People who lie compulsively live with the stress of keeping their lies a secret, so they won’t be exposed. They must conjure up scenarios and settings to maintain their unreality. Since they are more afraid of being exposed, they work harder mentally to create lies until they are exposed.
They believe their lies
The mythomaniac can internalize the experiences of others as if they were his own. They ensure they know all the facts about these experiences, sometimes treating them like old memories.
Exaggerates the truth
A liar with this mental disorder can embellish the truth with made-up exaggerations to gain favor with others. In communication, mythomaniacs frequently use gestures. These signs shape a personality that enjoys making up and manipulating stories about people, events, and life.
This article is for you if you want to know how to tell if someone you know is lying. Read about the types of nationalism.
Differences between Mythomaniac and Liar
It is essential to know the difference between a liar and a mythomaniac. Both tell lies, but there are important differences between the two. A liar always has a reason for not telling the truth, like to protect or defend himself from something or someone.
On the other hand, the mythomaniac lies compulsively, occasionally without cause; his lies are frequently absurd and unjustifiable, leading to bizarre circumstances. The mythomaniac suffers from a condition that makes him live a hopeless life.
Consequences of Compulsive Lying
Mythomania is a serious disorder that affects the person who lies and the people closest to them. The Psychopathic Personalities, a scientific book by Kurt Schneider, accurately describes the type of person who always lies.
They are morally corrupt betrayers and liars who don’t even blush when telling a lie. Their habitual lying severely harms family members and friends. Because trust gradually erodes, mythomaniacs can no longer be trusted.
The family and personal situations are lost, and what’s left is a person who lives alone, believes in their fantasies, and has no credibility to maintain social relationships.
The mythomaniac becomes a solitary being incapable of securing social relations beyond close family ties; not being discovered gives you satisfaction, creating a dangerous addiction that fuels the disorder.
Mythomania is a pathological disorder in which the person who has it needs love and patience from those close to them. First, you have to show the mythomaniac how he feels about lies and fantasies and how much he enjoys them. If the person who constantly lies can’t admit that he has a problem, there is not much anyone can do.
How to Confront a Mythomaniac
Maintaining a firm and serious demeanor is essential before any lie concerning the mythomaniac can be uncovered. Holding them accountable for their lies is a necessary first step toward recovery from the condition.
To develop the most effective course of action for the mythomaniac’s successful treatment, the mythomaniac’s family members and other close associates should seek the guidance of a trained professional.
Their recovery will require a collaborative effort between the compulsive liar and everyone in their immediate environment. Supporting them through the process is necessary because it will serve as the foundation of their recovery.
Treatment of Mythomania
Two distinct courses of action are necessary to lessen the harmful effects of mythomania and make necessary adjustments to the situation:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy Treatment
As we said earlier, insecurity and low self-esteem are the leading reasons for a mythomaniac’s first lie. Over time and through repetition, they become pathological liars.
Cognitive therapy provides actions, exercises, or activities that help the hypomanic find the source of their low self-esteem. These activities help them develop their personalities and self-awareness to lay the foundations for a healthy and transparent character.
To learn how to raise your self-esteem, read this article.
Practical Communication
Communication is the primary instrument for solving any psychological problem; offering practical social and communicative tools to face life is imperative. The mythomaniac will collect these social tools to develop assertiveness toward others.
Depending on its gravity, combating mythomania is a medium to long-term job because it must reeducate the public’s perception of the compulsive liar. Patience, affection, and tenacity are the essential ingredients for those who wish to help and live with a mythomaniac.
Conclusion
Mythomania is a challenging and complex disorder. What we have covered in this article provides enough information and suggestions to assess and treat this disorder. The activities of these people must be treated with all seriousness since they can ruin the lives of their relatives and friends.
