Deception refers to the act—big or small, cruel or kind—of encouraging people to believe information that is not true. Lying is a common form of deception—stating something known to be untrue with the intent to deceive.
What Is Deception? (Plain Language Explanation)
Deception refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Deception
- Symptoms: The specific ways deception shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen deception
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When deception occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Deception
- Deception is far more common than most people realize
- Deception is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with deception see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about deception is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing deception, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.