February 27, 2024

Hyper-Empathy Disorder Test

Kristie Plantinga

,

MA

a woman holds a phone up to her ear listening intently; hyper empathy disorder test

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February 27, 2024

2 min to read

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Feeling the joys and pains of those around you as if they're your own can be an incredible gift, but it can also take an emotional toll.

If you find yourself deeply impacted by others' experiences and absorbed in their perspectives, it may be a sign that you possess "hyper-empathy." While empathy allows you to connect and nurture meaningful relationships, it can leave you overwhelmed and drained if it becomes all consuming.

Though "hyper-empathy" isn’t a mental health disorder like anxiety or depression, it can still deeply impact your emotional health, relationships, and overall well-being.

This test provides a compassionate space to reflect on your sensitivity to others' emotions and gauge if your empathy might be expressed to an extreme degree.

How accurate is this quiz?

At Best Therapists, we believe that online mental health quizzes can be an excellent first step towards improving our mental health. Quizzes like this one can educate you and provide opportunities for self-reflection, but note that they are not a substitute for professional assessments and diagnoses.

Before you dive in, note that empathy is not a mental health disorder according to the DSM-5 (the official diagnostic manual for mental health professionals). Empathy is a personality trait, but like all personality traits, it can be expressed in an extreme way that's maladaptive.

Take our quiz below ↓

Your privacy is important to us, so all results are completely anonymous and no email is required.

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Frequently asked questions

What are common signs of hyper-empathy?

According to Verywell Mind, some of the common signs of hyper-empathy are:

Knowing how someone is feeling without them telling you
Deeply experiencing someone else’s feelings when they tell you about them, even when they are going through something you have never gone through
Understanding the hierarchy and dynamics of a group of people without being informed of them
Feeling overwhelmed when people discuss their emotions with you
Anxious attachment
Being a “yes” person because your own needs feel less important than someone else’s
Overwhelm at physical contact with others

Are certain types of people more prone to become hyper-empathetic?

According to Psychology Spot, hyper-empathy is more common in professionals who are in direct contact with people who need help, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and medical or rescue personnel. However, anyone can be a victim of compassion fatigue, especially if they have high emotional attention and emotional repair skills. Hyper-empathy can also be associated with autism, but it can affect people who are not autistic as well.