Diagnostic Codes for Kleptomania
Yes, kleptomania has both DSM-5 and ICD-10 diagnostic codes, classified as an impulse control disorder in both systems.
DSM-5 Classification
Kleptomania is classified in DSM-IV (and DSM-5) as one of the impulse control disorders, characterized by repeated failure to resist impulses to steal objects not needed for personal use or monetary gain 1.
The disorder requires specific diagnostic criteria including recurrent theft, tension before the act, and relief following it, with stolen objects typically discarded, given away, or hoarded 1, 2.
The DSM-IV criteria (maintained in DSM-5) have been validated through structured clinical interviews, demonstrating excellent test-retest reliability (Phi coefficient = 0.956) and inter-rater reliability (phi coefficient = 0.718) 3.
ICD-10 Classification
Kleptomania is included in ICD-10 and classified under "habit and impulse disorders" 2.
The ICD-10 (1992) defines it as repeated failure to resist impulses to steal objects not needed for personal use or monetary gain, with objects being discarded, given away, or hoarded 1.
The disorder was first included as an accompanying symptom in DSM-I (1952) and later formalized as a distinct diagnosis in both ICD-10 and DSM-IV 2.
Clinical Significance
Despite having formal diagnostic codes in both systems, kleptomania remains significantly underdiagnosed, with an estimated 5% of those who commit theft affected by the disorder 2.
Patients with kleptomania rarely seek psychiatric help specifically for the disorder, though they often present for treatment of comorbid conditions, most commonly major depressive disorder 4.
The disorder has serious legal consequences, with high arrest and incarceration rates, yet patients continue to violate the law despite repeated arrests and convictions 1, 4.
Diagnostic Considerations
Kleptomania shows comorbidity with obsessive-compulsive disorder spectrum and affective disorders, suggesting disturbed central serotonergic neurotransmission in its pathogenesis 1, 5.
Clinicians should screen for kleptomania when taking patients' legal and social histories, particularly in those presenting with depression or anxiety disorders 4.