Compulsive lying has been defined as “falsification entirely disproportionate to any discernible end in view, may be extensive and very complicated, and may manifest over a period of years or even a lifetime”.

Lying is the act of both knowingly and intentionally or making a false statement.  Normal lies are defensive and are told to avoid the consequences of truth telling. They are often white lies that spare another’s feelings, reflect a pro-social attitude, and make civilised human contact possible.  Pathological lying can be described as a habituation of lying.  It is when an individual consistently lies for no personal gain.