Take this quiz to see if you're a compulsive fibber.
When most people tell lies, they do it to gain something. A pathological liar (or compulsive liar) is someone who lies just because they can, or because they can’t help it. If you’re here, you might be wondering if that describes you.
Answer these 10 quick questions honestly, and we’ll examine the data and bring back your results, judgment-free.
(Disclaimer: This is a self-test. It’s impossible to diagnose compulsive lying without meeting with a professional.)
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About Compulsive Lying
Usually, people tell lies because they have something to gain, whether that means they’re protecting themselves, making themselves look good, or aiming for some sort of advantage or prize. A pathological liar, though, is someone who tells lies without any clear reason, or just because they can, or habitually. This is also known as "compulsive lying," or mythomania.
What Causes Compulsive Lying?
There are many potential causes. Sometimes, someone gets in the habit of lying and eventually finds out that they can’t stop—it’s too easy, fun, or advantageous, and so they just keep going. Other times, pathological lying is caused by other conditions or disorders, like narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial behaviors. No matter how it starts, it’s a serious and often difficult thing to handle—for both the liar and the people they’re lying to.
Signs of a Pathological Liar
Spotting a pathological liar is often a difficult game of he-said-she-said. Unless the person immediately tells many obvious lies, you probably won’t catch on right away. Instead, you’ll probably become suspicious over time as you look for signs like:
They frequently embellish stories they tell with details that are improbable, or which you know didn’t happen.
They don’t lie for any particular or obvious reason.
They become extremely defensive when confronted about a lie, or totally unconcerned.
They often change the facts when asked about something multiple times.
They say one thing but do another.
Overcoming Compulsive Lying
Pathological lying is a slippery slope: the more you do it, the easier it becomes, and the harder it becomes to stop. But there are ways to stop, and pathological lying can be treated. If you struggle with lying, try the following:
Before you lie, ask yourself if it’s necessary, or if you’re lying just because you can.
Think about the consequences lying could have. What’s the worst-case scenario?
Practice telling the truth, even when it’s hard. Being honest can also be a habit!
Think before you speak. If you frequently lie, and your comment isn’t necessary, it may be better not to say anything rather than risk a compulsive lie.
See a licensed therapist or psychiatrist, who can diagnose your problem and help you come up with personalized ways to solve it.
Want to learn more?
For more information about pathological and compulsive lying, check out these helpful resources:
Any medically related content, whether User Content or otherwise found on the Service, is not intended to be medical advice or instructions for medical diagnosis or treatment, and no physician-patient or psychotherapist-patient relationship is, or is intended to be, created.
