Stealing Impulse (Kleptomania) Test: What It Measures and Your Score

Under the DSM-5, kleptomania is not defined by the act of stealing itself but by this specific cycle. Most thefts reflect NO psychiatric disorder at all: it is the tension-act-relief cycle that defines kleptomania, not the act itself. This test does not make a diagnosis; only a professional can. I also offer Psy Lounge, a space to explore this topic by voice with a CBT-trained AI.

In the article that follows, I explore obsessions and compulsions. If you recognise yourself in this theme, I designed an OCD test that helps you take stock of the presence of intrusive thoughts and rituals. It comes with a guide to extend your reflection beyond the results. I also wrote a book on this subject, Your Thoughts Don’t Have to Run Your Life, if you would like to go further.

What the test measures

• Rising tension or excitement preceding the impulse to steal.
• Relief, pleasure or soothing felt during or after the theft.
• Stealing objects that are neither needed nor really used.
• Repeated inability to resist, guilt and consequences.

Take the test: OCD Test (Obsessions) → — the tension–act–relief mechanism is close to that of compulsions: if invasive obsessions and rituals also concern you, assess this obsessive-compulsive dimension.

How to read your score

The result reads as an intensity, not as a diagnosis:

• Weakly marked traits: The traits measured are low or balanced; they do not strongly structure the way you function.
• Moderate traits: Moderate traits emerge along the various axes.
• Marked traits: Clear traits stand out and colour the way you function.
• Very marked traits (non-diagnostic screening): Dominant traits emerge. This test makes no diagnosis: only a professional can, after a full clinical assessment.

What your full report contains

The detailed PDF report includes:

• Introduction: A recap of what this screening measures — the K-SAS/DSM-5-inspired tension-act-relief cycle, the non-utilitarian nature of the theft, and what the disorder is not (most thefts reflect no psychiatric disorder at all). Most thefts reflect NO psychiatric disorder at all: it is the tension-act-relief cycle that defines kleptomania, not the act itself.
• Dimension-by-Dimension Analysis: Each dimension is analysed individually to situate your traits.
• Overall Score: Your overall score reflects the general intensity of these traits; it does not constitute a diagnosis.
• Recommendations: Avenues suited to your profile to better understand your traits.

The full, personalised report (your precise score, your profile by dimension, your recommendations) is paid.

When to take this test

• You recognise yourself in kleptomania, impulse control, compulsive stealing and want to see things clearly.
• You want a structured reading rather than a vague impression.
• You are looking for an objective starting point before talking to a professional if needed.

Take the test: Depression Test (Self-Assessment) → — 62 questions, anonymous, PDF report.

FAQ

How long does the test take? 60 questions, around 8 min. The test has 60 questions. Does the test provide a diagnosis? No. It measures an intensity and provides reference points; only a professional can make a diagnosis. Are my answers confidential? Yes: the test is 100% anonymous and the report is delivered directly to you.

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👉 Start the Stealing Impulse (Kleptomania) Test → — 60 questions, immediate result, PDF report, 100% anonymous.