[Notes concerning the uncritical handling of the diagnosis "Kleptomania"]

The diagnosis kleptomania is based on diagnostic criteria which describe a particular distinctive behaviour. Both the DSM-IV and the WHO-ICD10 neglect the different etiologic possibilities. The high co-morbidity of kleptomania with other mental disorders is another problem. The assessment of legal responsibility should not only focus on the analysis of the stealing act, but has to consider potential associated psychopathology. It appears insufficient to describe complex organic disorders (for example a dementia) with the term kleptomania. However, the forensic relevance of kleptomania, which seems to be very rare, is a result of symptom progression, decreasing satisfaction and feelings of shame or distress.