While many people occasionally tell small, harmless lies, compulsive lying goes beyond this. People who compulsively lie feel compelled to lie frequently, often without a clear reason, and are unable to control the behavior.
Compulsive lying isn’t recognized as a mental health diagnosis. But it’s linked with several mental health conditions, especially personality disorders.
If you’re struggling with compulsive lying, there are practical ways to manage it. Seeing a therapist can help you address the root of your lying and learn how to get your needs met in healthier ways.
Lying on occasion is normal, and it’s rare to find someone who’s never done it. But for some people, lying isn’t just an occasional choice. It turns into a pattern of lying compulsively that feels hard to control.
Compulsive lying is when someone lies often, even when there’s no reason or benefit. This is different from pathological lying, which is lying on purpose to get something or manipulate others. For example, a person who lies compulsively might make up small stories about their day without thinking, while someone who lies pathologically might lie about achievements to get a promotion. People who lie compulsively may tell several lies a day, even when it causes problems, and often feel guilty or ashamed afterward.
If you’re dealing with compulsive lying, then there are ways to address the behavior and treat underlying mental health conditions that may be causing it. With the right support, you can live a life that’s more aligned with your values.
What is compulsive lying?
Compulsive lying is when lying becomes an ongoing, unhealthy habit. There’s no official clinical definition, but some researchers have defined it as telling many lies every day for months at a time.
Unlike the occasional lie most people tell, compulsive lying is frequent, often has no clear purpose, and can be hard to control. People may lie out of habit rather than intent, and their behavior can harm both their relationships and their own well-being.
Compulsive lying is more common than many people realize. One study found that about 13% of people said they have challenges with compulsive lying. This pattern can lead to problems at work, in relationships, and even legal trouble. It can also lead to guilt, stress, and emotional pain.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Causes of compulsive lying
There isn’t one single cause of compulsive lying. It often develops from a mix of personal history and learned habits like:
Early experiences: Some people start lying often in childhood to avoid punishment, get attention, or cope with stress. Over time, it can become an automatic habit they carry into adulthood.
Insecurity and low self-esteem: Compulsive lying can sometimes be a way to hide feelings of shame, fear of rejection, or not feeling “good enough.” A person may lie to seem more likable or successful.
Mental health conditions: Compulsive lying isn’t a diagnosis on its own, but it can appear alongside other conditions like personality disorders especially when impulsivity or anxiety play a role.
Reinforcement over time: If lying helps someone avoid conflict or get approval, it can feel rewarding in the short term. This can make the habit stronger, even as it causes problems later on.
Is compulsive lying genetic?
The role of genetics in compulsive lying is still under investigation, and more research is needed for a complete understanding. Some studies suggest that there may be a genetic component to dishonest behaviors like compulsive lying.
For instance, research on twins has indicated that everyday dishonest behavior, like cheating on taxes or calling out sick when you’re not, is at least partly determined by your genes. Another study found that antisocial behavior, which can include compulsive lying, might be influenced by genetics to some extent, with estimates suggesting around 40% genetic influence.
This doesn’t mean that if you were raised by caregivers who compulsively lied, you’ll necessarily adopt the same behavior. Even if compulsive lying is hereditary (which is still not fully established), genetics only account for a portion of our behavior. Other factors, such as environment and personal experiences, also play a significant role. However, if you find yourself engaging in compulsive lying and aren’t sure why, exploring genetic factors might provide some insight.
Signs of compulsive lying
Because compulsive lying isn’t recognized as a mental health condition, there are no official symptoms of it. But there are some key signs to be aware of.
You might be dealing with compulsive lying if you experience:
Frequent lying: Telling multiple lies daily over an extended period
Lack of a clear motive: Lying even when it’s unnecessary or without clear benefit
Automatic lying: Lying out of habit, without conscious intent
A web of lies: Getting caught in a complex network of lies
An impact on your life: Experiencing relationship issues or legal problems due to lying
Elaborate details: Adding unnecessary or complex details when lying
Fear of discovery: Worrying about the consequences of being caught lying
Use for personal gain: Lying to achieve goals or avoid trouble, with varying levels of guilt
Step-by-step guide to stop lying compulsively
Fortunately, like any unhealthy behavior, you can learn to manage your compulsive lying. If you’ve been compulsively lying for a long time, it’s probably become a habit, so it may be hard to break.
Try approaching it as a step-by-step process:
Step 1: Understand why you lie. Start by thinking about what you hope to gain from lying. Ask yourself if it’s about getting attention, feeling in control, or avoiding rejection or shame. If you’re unsure, a therapist can help you explore the deeper reasons behind the behavior.
Step 2: Build awareness and mindfulness. Pay attention to when you feel the urge to lie and what emotions you notice in those moments. Try pausing before you speak so you can choose honesty. Mindfulness practices, like journaling or deep breathing, can help you slow down and be more intentional.
Step 3: Get an accountability partner. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or therapist to support you. Be honest with them when you face challenges, and let them remind you of your goal to be truthful.
Step 4: Practice compassion. Remind yourself that changing a habit takes time and effort. It’s OK to feel guilty about past lies, but try not to get stuck in shame. You can care about the people your lies may have hurt and still treat yourself with kindness as you learn to do better.
Step 5: Celebrate small wins. Notice when you tell the truth, even if it feels small, and give yourself credit for it. These wins add up and can build your confidence as you create new patterns.
If trying to stop lying on your own is overwhelming, working with a therapist can give you the tools, support, and encouragement to help you break the cycle.
Treatment options for compulsive lying
Unhealthy chronic behaviors, like compulsive lying, can often be hard to manage without professional support. If you’ve tried to stop lying and haven’t been able to, then it may be time to speak to a therapist. Therapy for compulsive lying can help you get to the root of your behavior, address potential underlying trauma, and find healthier ways to get your needs met.
Just like any other compulsive behavior (like substance use), some people may experience the urge to lie even after they quit. But with support, you can manage these impulses, live more closely aligned with your values, and find healthier coping mechanisms.
We don’t yet have much research on what treatment methods could be effective for compulsive lying. In one study, clinicians suggested treatments like:
Emotion-focused therapy
Motivational interviewing
If compulsive lying is linked to an underlying mental health condition, addressing and treating that condition is crucial.
When working with someone having trouble with compulsive lying, I remind them that change is possible. This behavior doesn’t define who they are. With patience, self-compassion, and support, they can build a life rooted in honesty and trust.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
Compulsive lying can have significant negative impacts on both individuals and their relationships. Although compulsive lying is not recognized as a distinct mental health diagnosis, ongoing research aims to better understand its underlying causes and implications. In the meantime, there are practical steps you can take to manage your compulsive lying. This may include building a mindfulness practice, finding an accountability partner, or going to therapy.
Rula makes it easy to address common mental health concerns that lead to compulsive lying. With our therapist-matching platform, you can find someone who accepts your insurance and can support you through whatever you’re going through. Plus, our extensive network of therapists means you can meet with a provider via a secure online appointment as soon as tomorrow.
Saya Des Marais
Saya graduated with her Master in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in mental health from the University of Southern California in 2010. She formerly worked as a therapist and motivational interviewing trainer in community clinics, public schools, mental health startups, and more.
Her writing has been featured in FORTUNE, GoodRX, PsychCentral, and dozens of mental health apps and therapy websites. Through both her clinical work and her personal OCD diagnosis, she’s learned the importance of making empathetic and accurate mental health content available online.
She lives in Portland, Oregon but you can find her almost just as often in Mexico or in her birthplace, Tokyo.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
Rula's editorial process
Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
