what do you do with a child who lies all the time?

Is being diagnosed with ADHD a part of the lying syndrome?  

[allmymarbles]

I don't know, but I had a hyperactive child who told harmless lies. I think it created a kind of activity around her. I never put her on drugs.

[Sandman2]

   I have worked with a lot of kids with ADHD.  One of the things that I have noticed is that there is a kind of self-protection mode that they swing into called "lying".  Essentially, they get tired of being blamed ALL the time for things they have done wrong (many times they don't even realize they have done it). So given the choice of being punished, or reprimanded, or questioned - they take the logical, self preservation way out, and lie.  
   I will say that the ADHD kids whose parents and teachers understand what they are going through and discipline accordingly seem to lie a lot less.  Lying (to me) is a cry for help.  A sign of a lack of self esteem.  A signal that the kid is kind of giving up.  
If this is going on with your child (and the age is kind of important), I would really do some research into how to work with ADHD kids and to make sure the school system is aware of their problems.  Probably the easiest book to give you some help - if that is the case - is, "The ADD/ ADhD Answer book." , by Susan Ashley.  It will really give you things to do that will help you work with a child that lies all the time.  What you should ask yourself is when did the lying start happening?  Usually about 4th grade, a kid is aware enough (if they are pretty intelligent) to start lying.  Definitely, by middle school.
  This is something that I think is a cry for help!  If you have any other questions, please post.

[specialmom]

I always think about the adhd child and what life must be like for the.  The majority of the time people are aggravated with them, telling them they are screwing up.  Even when they aren't telling them, they feel that way.  They always feel out of sync with others.  My heart really breaks for how they feel inside a lot of the time.  That is why I've always taken a stance to do everything you can to help a child.  They might not do great in school . . . but the real damage is inside of them and how they feel about themselves.  

Read the book Sandman has suggested.
If the person adhd is older, the lying probably started in this way and is now a habit.
good luck

[Tanyaluv]

I experienced similar situation with my son who does have ADHD and lied when he was younger..I found that constant reminders of the rules/boundaries really help. For example don't wait until he throws his shoes in the hallway to ask him "did you just put your shoes in the hallway?" Immediately remind him where shoes go when he walks through the door every day. When I wake him up I remind him that the tag goes in the back, I don't wait until he puts his shirt on backwards--I just remind him when I give him his clothes. My boy doesn't really lie now.