what could it be?

[zoey07]

hello, im 14 years old and i lie alot, people are telling me i may have a type of syndrome, because i lie to make me look better or what i think they wanna hear and also because i have mood swings what could i possibly have?

[Jen813]

Hi.  I can completely relate to what you are saying in that I spent much of my child and early adulthood lying.  The lies would just come out of my mouth, and I would often catch myself thinking "why in the world did I just say that."  I later found out that many of the lies came from not wanting to disappoint, so I would say whatever someone wanted to hear in fear of getting hurt.  They say that there are 2 main reasons that someone lies:  1)  To manipulate and to get what they want, and 2) out of fear, be it rejection, hurting someone's feelings, etc.  Anyway, later on, after causing years of broken bridges and depression I went to see someone about it.  Lying can be a symptom of bipolar, but ususally only if you are doing it while you are manic.  The mood swings definetly are too.  On the other hand I found out that  I also have Borderline Personality Disorder.  Symptoms of BPD are:  

Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment (often by lying)

Intense or unstable interpersonal relationships that are characterized by extreme idealization and devaluation

Impulsivity in at least two area that could be self damaging (spending, gambling, sex, etc.)

Recurent suicide thoughts or attempts or self mutilation

Instability due to reactivity of mood (anxiety, anger, etc) This kind of thing ususally only lasts a few hours, rarely a couple of days.

Feeling empty all of the time

Intense and inappropriate anger or problems controlling anger

stress related paranoid ideation.

If you have any of those other symptoms this could be it.  I agree with zoey07 though.  You really need to see somebody in order for a correct diagnosis to be made.  There are medications that can help you cope with this, but just remember, you are going to have to make a conscious effort to change your life and to change your habits.  The medication won't cure everything, and it won't make the lying go away...it just helps ease the compulsion.  If you have anything else you want to talk about feel free to ask.  Also, if you want to do more research on BPD this site ou can go to www.psychcentral.com/disorders and you can find more information.  I wish you the best of luck and please let us know how you are going.

[ames67]

There are lots of conditions that can cause mood swings. In terms of the lying, since you are aware of it it would be good to talk to a counselor and look at the reasons why you lie. They can also help with considering why you have mood swings. You may want to start with your school counselor or let your parents know you would like to talk to someone. This is a bipolar forum and yes mood swings are a symptom of the disorder, but only a counselor or doctor (preferably a psychiatrist) can diagnose bipolar. Hope this helps.