What it is
Deceit (pathological or compulsive lying) describes a persistent pattern of providing false information beyond ordinary social white lies — in ways that cause significant harm to relationships, functioning, or legal standing.
Experiential support
Deceit
A persistent pattern of providing false information — beyond ordinary social untruths — that causes harm to relationships, trust, and functioning.
CategoryBehavioral
Reviewed by Gyfts Editorial Team · Editorial Health Review
26 March 2026
At a glance
Deceit at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- People engaging in persistent deceit often describe the exhausting maintenance required — tracking what has been said to whom, managing the anxiety of potential discovery. There may be a layered experience of shame about the deceit and shame about what is being concealed. The isolation created by the secret can paradoxically increase the behaviour it was meant to protect.
