Do schizophrenics lie? The alteration of the reality of people who suffer from schizophrenia produces thoughts that generate emotional instability, problems in social relationships and destructive behaviors. In this sense, the question may arise as to whether people diagnosed with a mental illness such as schizophrenia use lies as they see fit.
Is it possible that they tell lies on purpose? What is the relationship with the social and family environment in these cases? These questions serve to address an extremely arduous and complex mental health problem. In this Psychology-Online article, we will answer the question of whether schizophrenics lie and how to detect when they do it.
How a schizophrenic behaves with his loved ones
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that is characterized by the presence of a distorted perception of reality, including delusions and hallucinations that seriously affect the life of a person with this diagnosis. In this sense, The closest environment can be conditioned by emotions, thoughts and behaviors of the person who suffers from these manifestations.
Next, we explain how a schizophrenic behaves with his loved ones:
- Irrational responses: includes the way a person acts in the face of some unforeseen event. In general terms, a schizophrenic could defend himself against something that he believes is unfair through insults, blows, among others.
- Distrust: The perception of reality of people with schizophrenia is altered. This can cause a schizophrenic to feel distrustful of anyone who approaches them. Likewise, ideas may arise that someone will take away objects, parts of her body, will try to harm her, among others.
Are schizophrenics liars?
Although this question is very general given that each person has traits that make them unique, in this clinical picture There is a tendency to describe real life events in an implausible way. and laughable. However, it should be noted that patients with schizophrenia are convinced that the things that happen are real.
For this same reason, one could say that schizophrenics are liars, but without any intention of causing any harm to third parties. In this article, we tell you.
How to know if a schizophrenic is lying to you
The relationship that can be established with a person diagnosed with a mental illness can be complicated due to the complexity of each case and the risks that can come into play in certain situations. In this sense, although lying is a quality that could be experienced in an encounter with these people, We have some resources to detect it.
Next, we will address how to know if a schizophrenic is lying to you:
- Confirm with reality: When you have any doubts about the information that the person is giving us, it is necessary to carry out a reality check. The purpose of this action is not to confront her with the lie, but to understand the events that have happened. If you try to prove that what is reported is not real, it could trigger a crisis that is difficult to cope with.
- Request information from third parties: the opinion of other people can be illuminating to investigate the arguments presented by a person with diagnosed schizophrenia. On a global level, it is preferable that reactions of anger and/or disappointment be directed at institutions, laws, other people instead of receiving them oneself.
- Ask: Sometimes, a person can relate a fact in very different ways. However, the key is to pay attention to every detail of your presentation. If inconsistencies are detected in the speech, there are great possibilities that lies are present.
- Nonverbal language: This concerns facial expressions, gestures, the type of breathing, among others. If it is detected that the person shows signs of nervousness, uncertainty, body tremors, shortness of breath and/or an averted gaze, it may indicate lies.
In this article you will find more information about . Due to the complexity of the condition that has been described, it is essential to be in contact with mental health professionals in order to obtain personalized information. At the same time, the creation of a support network is also essential to cope with the possible behaviors of a person with diagnosed schizophrenia.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (5th edition). Arlington: Panamericana Medical Publishing.
- Pérez, F., Orozco, G., Galicia, M., Gómez, M., Ortega, L., García, N., Pérez, H. (2012). Confabulations: beyond a memory deficit. Chilean Journal of Neuropsychology, 7 (3), 134-140.
- Selma Sánchez, H. (2008). Neuropsychology of schizophrenia. Neuropsychology Notebooks, 2 (2), 79-134.