Pseudologia Fantastica (i.e. Pathological Lying)as a Possible Outcome of Complex Trauma

Article type: Theoretical and Conceptual Paper

Author:

Kyd Shepherd

Affiliation:

Clinical psychologist in private practice, Paris, France

Abstract

Pseudologia Fantastica is an interesting syndrome as it is commonly talked about

yet remains elusive in many regards. Thus, this paper will aim to shed light on

its purpose within the mind of the pathological Liar as well as the potential

unconscious ramifications of complex PTSD and psychotherapeutic treatment. In

order to explore these topics, we will first define pseudologia fantastica and explore

the interpersonal dynamics of this syndrome, after which we will draw a direct link

between pathological lies and the traumatic truth. Next, we will present four different

phases of psychotherapy. Lastly, we will conclude with a discussion of the inherent

limitations of this paper. In this essay, pseudologia fantastica will be analysed as a

standalone disorder and in light of psychoanalytic theories, namely those of Bion,

Lacan, Klein, Kernberg, Fairbairn and Kohut, as well as my observations and ideas

based on my clinical experience with pathological liars.

Keywords: Pseudologia fantastica; pathological lying; complex trauma; complex PTSD; dissociation; psychoanalytic theory; psychotherapy

Published by the Complex Trauma Institute under the Creative Commons

Attribution–NonCommercial–NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Published in: Perspectives on Complex Trauma

Volume 6, Issue 1 (2025)

ISSN 2635-0807

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