Is compulsive lying a clinical problem?

Question

My 10 yr old nephew is on medication for ADHD and has recently started lying about EVERYTHING. I could understand him lying if it was something he could get in trouble for, but he is lying about total random things. I have heard that people with ADHD can be prone to other conditions, I was wondering if anyone knows if lying is truly a clinical condition or just a bad habit.

Answer 1

i personally have the same type of disorder and im pretty sure it is somehow linked to adhd and is also sort of a bad habbit

Answer 2

I recently listened to a program about this. It is WNYC's radio lab. The episode was titled inside the brain of a compulsive liar (I think..that was the title, something along those lines) . There are definitely some differences in the way a compulsive liars' brain works. I will save you from me trying to half-way explain what this radio show did. You should download and listen to it. if you have i tunes it is in there.  

Answer 3

I think it starts off as a bad habit, but then once you continue it, like with most addictions and obsessions, it becomes a clinical condition. Treatment should be sought after if you feel it is getting out of control and if you feel it will in turn have a negetive spin on the child's life. My advice, seek professional help with this problem.