What behavior is characterized by someone filling in memory lapses with invented stories?

The behavior characterized by filling in memory lapses with invented stories is known as confabulating. This phenomenon occurs when an individual creates false memories without the intention to deceive, often as a coping mechanism to make sense of gaps in their memory. Confabulation is commonly observed in certain neurological conditions, where the brain attempts to construct a coherent narrative despite incomplete or distorted recollections.

This process differs from lying, which involves a conscious effort to mislead someone with the intent to deceive. In contrast, confabulation is typically unintentional. Denying refers to the refusal to accept the truth or existence of something, which also doesn't align with the act of creating fabricated memories. Fantasizing involves the creation of imagined scenarios that are not based on actual experiences, but can still differ from confabulation, as fantasizing is often more related to creative thoughts rather than compensating for memory lapses.