Can You Help my Lying Friend?

QUESTION:

Hi,

I don’t know quite what to look under. Well, my friends lies to us every day and it’s like when you ask her the truth she just looks at you funny and acts like a totally different person! It’s not like a once in a while–it’s like a daily thing. So I was wondering if you could tell me what to look up on it so I can help my friend!

Thank you!

ANSWER:

While those with severe anxiety and attention deficit disorder learn to lie to reduce their stress, it’s usually a “character disorder.” The screening test I use for my patients can be useful in looking for anxiety disorders and attention deficit disorder. There’s not much available at this time for character disorders.