Pathological Liar Test: Am I a Compulsive Liar?

Are you a pathological liar, or just someone who lies sometimes? Almost everyone tells small lies. Compulsive or pathological lying is different: the lies come automatically, often for no clear reason, and they start to damage trust, relationships and work. This free, confidential test has 12 yes-or-no questions and takes about two minutes. At the end you will see what your answers suggest and what to consider next.

Take the pathological liar test

Answer each question honestly. You do not need to give your name or email.

Compulsive Lying Self-Assessment Quiz

This self-assessment is designed to offer insight into your lying habits and how they may be affecting your life. It’s important to remember, however, that this quiz is not a medical or clinical assessment. If your responses suggest you might be experiencing issues with compulsive lying, or if you’re concerned about your lying, we’re here to support you. We can provide a more thorough evaluation and discuss a range of treatment options tailored to your needs. Seeking help is a positive step towards understanding your relationship with honesty and making any changes that could improve your quality of life. Reach out today for confidential support.

1 / 12

Do you believe you are a compulsive liar?

Yes

No

2 / 12

Have you ever been in counseling for your lying?

Yes

No

3 / 12

Have you ever been told that you are a compulsive liar?

Yes

No

4 / 12

Do you come from a family that would rather lie than tell the truth?

Yes

No

5 / 12

Have you gotten yourself into uncomfortable situations at work due to lying?

Yes

No

6 / 12

Do you feel uncomfortable when you tell the truth?

Yes

No

7 / 12

Do you have trouble staying in relationships due to your lying?

Yes

No

8 / 12

Do you tend to exaggerate when you are talking to people?

Yes

No

9 / 12

Did you get into trouble for lying when you were a child?

Yes

No

10 / 12

Is it important to you to gain approval from anyone you encounter?

Yes

No

11 / 12

Have you been diagnosed with a personality disorder?

Yes

No

12 / 12

Do you find it easier to lie than tell the truth?

Yes

No

Restart quiz

The results are not a diagnosis. If your answers raise concerns, a conversation with a professional can help you understand what is behind the lying and how to change it.

What is pathological lying?

Pathological lying, sometimes called compulsive lying or pseudologia fantastica, is a long-standing pattern of telling lies that are frequent, often unnecessary, and hard to control. It is not a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5, but mental health professionals recognize it as a real and painful pattern. It often appears alongside anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, personality difficulties or addiction.

Compulsive liar or pathological liar: what is the difference?

The two terms are often used interchangeably. In everyday use, a compulsive liar lies out of habit, almost automatically, often to avoid discomfort or conflict. A pathological liar usually describes someone whose lies are more elaborate, may serve to impress or gain something, and continue even when the truth would be easier. Both patterns can be changed with the right help.

Common signs of compulsive lying

• Lying about small things when there is no real reason to
• Telling stories that make you look more impressive, heroic or pitiful
• Feeling anxious or uncomfortable when telling the truth
• Having trouble keeping track of what you told to whom
• Continuing to lie even after being caught
• Losing friendships, jobs or trust because of lying

Lying and addiction

Lying and addiction often go together. People struggling with drugs, alcohol, gambling or other compulsive behaviors frequently lie to hide how much they use, where money went, or where they have been. Over time, lying can become a habit of its own. Treating the addiction usually means rebuilding honesty, step by step. If you think lying may be connected to another problem, take one of our other self-tests.

Worried about someone you love?

Living with someone who lies constantly is exhausting and confusing. You may start to doubt yourself. If the lying is connected to drinking, drug use or another addiction, read about enabling versus taking responsibility, or take our self-test for family members.

Frequently asked questions

Am I a pathological liar if I lie a lot?

Not necessarily. What matters is whether the lying feels out of your control, happens without a clear reason, and continues despite harm to your relationships, work or self-respect. A professional assessment can help you understand the pattern.

Is pathological lying a mental illness?

Pathological lying is not listed as a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5. It is recognized as a pattern of behavior that often appears together with other conditions, such as anxiety, personality disorders or addiction.

Can a compulsive liar change?

Yes. With awareness, motivation and professional support, such as therapy that looks at what drives the lying, people can learn to tell the truth and rebuild trust.

Is this pathological liar test free and confidential?

Yes. The test is free, and you do not need to give your name or email to take it.