QUESTION:

Are people with the borderline personality disorder pathological liars?

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

No, although while dysphoric the individual becomes psychotic - and misinterprets reality. These incorrect interpretations are often "remembered" as real and this can cause huge problems as well, particularly regarding false accusations. While borderlines can usually trust their good memories, their bad memories are suspect. Some may be true, many aren't - and it's very difficult to interpret which are which.

Many of us lie to prevent or get out of problems, and those with the borderline personality disorder and other forms of biologically based unhappiness do the same thing. Many with anxiety problems and attention deficit disorder develop a lying response to prevent or manage problems.

Character is extremely important, and telling the truth is crucial. One's word needs to be meaningful. Even those who laugh or scoff at honest people want honest people to do their work for them.

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