Pseudologia fantastica

[Deleted]

Pseudologia fantastica ,a Latin phrase for "uncontrollable lying", mythomania, is an actual mental disorder that I have come to know over the years on 2 or 3 occasions. It totally fascinates me because of the individuals absolute convincibility to believe that he or she actually experienced the tales of which they speak.
We have all known people who are prone to exaggeration or tell' tall tales'. This disorder however,goes a bit beyond.
My husband and I have a friend who suffers from this disorder. I do not believe he has been treated for it and I am gently trying to have some alone time with him to help him realize how ill he really is.
Do any of you know anyone like this,and or have you dealt with this personally in any kind of way?
The very sad part about it is that many people seem to be entertained by this man's stories and often egg him on. Therefore,he is the target of ridicule and what I consider to be downright cruelty. It's very, very sad.
I am hoping I can convince him to get some help.

[Deleted]

I used to know what I would call a borderline case. It was hard to determine whether he prefered to lie because it was easier than telling the truth, if he was just being playful, or if he was really incapable of telling the truth.

Actually, he had some major moments of sincerity from time to time, but they were usually enabled by massive amounts of alcohol (in vino veritas). This was only possible during a tête-à-tête and absolutely never if there were other witnesses, as those of us who knew him well have determined. (He died 'young' -- at age 50 -- of a heart attack.)

Basically, I think he had little choice in the beginning, because he was Pakistani but had become a complete Parisian -- something which he always had to hide from his huge family who was always asking him when he was returning "home." He probably never even told him that he had been naturalized.

[onlymark]

And will he thank you for it or just lie?

[Deleted]

This person,after a few cocktails,definitely is prone to worse pathology.
Here are some of the stories he has told with utter, total conviction,belief,and confidence:

Upon not seeing him for a couple of weeks he tells us he just got back from Hyannisport where he was attending Rose F. Kennedy's 100th birthday party and advising Ted Kennedy on why he shouldn't run for U.S. president. (Clearly this was some years back).

He was flying up to NY to advise John Gotti (legendary NY mobster) who was awaiting trial for umpteen counts of racketeering etc. (also some years back).

More recently,he hosted Michelle Obama,U.S. First Lady, at his Uptown home along with the 2 two Obama daughters. (this man lives in a very modest home in a middle class neighborhood not far from where we live).

He is going to speak to newly elected Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel as he claims to be great buddies with Mayor Emanuel, about getting me a job as Chicago's Landscape Beautification advisor.

The list goes on.....

[Deleted]

You should ask him for an autograph and see what name he signs.