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Commentary: Getting at the Truth about Pathological Lying

Dr. Grubin is Professor of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Newcastle, and (Hon) Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland Mental Health Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. Address correspondence to: Don Grubin, MD, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, St. Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK NE3 3XT. E-mail: don.grubin{at}ncl.ac.uk

Lying is common, and in its many aspects forms a normal part of social interchange. In this issue, Dike et al. review the literature on what has been referred to as pathological lying, highlighting the lack of information available about this phenomenon. In this commentary on Dike et al., it is noted that if pathological lying exists, it is not the lie, but the liar that is abnormal, with the abnormality relating not to the nature of the lies told, but to the mental state associated with the behavior. Before forensic opinions regarding pathological lying can be given with confidence, we need more data to help determine whether it is in fact a psychiatric entity, and if it is, about the physical and psychological characteristics that underpin it.

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