Is Pathological Lying a Sign of Deeper Psychological Issues? Pathological lying, also known as compulsive lying, is a behavior where an individual lies frequently and often without clear reason or benefit. While occasional dishonesty is a normal part of human behavior, pathological lying is different—it is persistent, habitual, and often compulsive. This article explores whether pathological lying is a sign of deeper psychological issues and the potential psychological conditions that can contribute to this behavior.