Compulsive lying & stealing

[13Chris13]

My granddaughter has been diagonised with ADHD and her meds have improved her school work dramtically.  She is 9.  For 1-2 years she has been a compulsive liar and in the past several months she has been taking money from her parents and denying it.   Can this be part of the ADHD?  I also question whether compulsive lying or pathological lying is genetic.   Her biological father had ADHD and was the biggest liar I ever new (in and out of jail).  She has not seen him since she was 1 1/2 and never lived with him .

[jdtm]

I am wondering if ADHD is an incomplete diagnosis - I do not doubt that your daughter suffers from ADHD but I wonder if there might be another issue - as a personality or mood disorder.  All of these are to some extent inherited traits and ADHD is often co-morbid with other mental health issues.  I might suggest you post on the "ask a doctor" forum for further advice.  If there are other issues here, then your granddaughter needs to see a medical specialist in mental health issues as soon as possible.  Early intervention would be a very positive action.  I wish I could be of more help ....

[jimnkim123]

We have a 21 year old son, he has been pathologically lying and stealing for many years, since he was old enough to do so.  We are dissilusioned to think this is just a phase, as we thought when he was younger.  We need suggestions from medical professionals or someone who has found any help on this topic.  We have read all of the information on this topic, and seems this is an issue with many and they do not "grow out of this"  What can we do to help him?  He is now enlisted in the Army with the hopes this will help him.  I do not think this is the answer, and am afraid of what will happen to him.  Please anyone with thoughts or suggestions, share.. Thank you